In around 1850, a certain John Grey, his wife Jess and their son also named John arrived in the bleak town of Edinburgh. It is uncertain why John senior brought his family to the town as he is thought to have been, variously, a farmer, shepherd or gardener by trade, depending on who is telling the story. What is certain though is that John failed to find gainful employment befitting his previous trade in the town and so, to avoid his family and himself being carted off to the workhouse like so many unfortunate souls before him, he joined the Edinburgh police force.

I know very little about Edinburgh in the 1850s. Today it is a beautiful town with stunning architecture, well lit streets and a lively nightlife. 1850s Edinburgh no doubt presented an atmosphere far removed from the pretty lights and cozy eateries of today.

And so, Constable number 90, Warrant number 1487, John Grey acquired himself a watchdog and began a new career as a night watchman.

I have been unable to find any records of Constable Grey performing exciting acts of derring-do, taking down Gin lords or bringing Resurrection men to justice (he was a little late for the latter, Burke and Hare being 22 years previous) but John and his faithful, brave hound Bobby became a familiar sight around the town. At the boom of the 1pm gun every day, John and Bobby would make their way to Traills Temperance Coffee house for lunch and it would seem the owner of the establishment had a soft spot for the diminutive Skye Terrier as he provided a meal for him also.

And so life went on until early 1858 when the cold. damp air of Edinburgh finally got the better of John and he underwent treatment for tuberculosis from the police surgeon. Sadly though, John succumbed to his illness on 15th February 1958.

A funeral procession was held, attended by Bobby and Constable John Grey was laid to rest in Greyfriars Kirkyard, missed by his family, many of the locals and not least by his crime-busting canine compadre.

Bobby missed his master so much in fact that he curled up by Johns grave, and no amount of coaxing could make him leave. Anyone approaching the grave was subjected to angry yapping as the tiny terrier guarded his master in death, just as he had protected him on the mean streets in life.

Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier, became a legendary figure in Edinburgh, Scotland, for his unwavering devotion to his master. According to popular folklore, after John Gray passed away, Bobby reportedly spent the next 14 years guarding his owner’s grave at the Greyfriars Kirkyard.

During these years, locals and visitors alike were touched by Bobby’s loyalty and affectionate nature. The story of the faithful dog spread, capturing the hearts of many. Bobby’s devotion to his deceased master became a symbol of loyalty and devotion.

When Bobby died in 1872, he was buried not far from John Gray’s grave. A granite headstone was erected in his honor, and the inscription reads:

“Greyfriars Bobby
Died 14th January 1872
Aged 16 years
Let his loyalty and devotion
Be a lesson to us all.”

The legend of Greyfriars Bobby continues to be celebrated in literature, film, and various forms of media. Today, people can visit Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the gravesites of both John Gray and his faithful companion, commemorating a touching tale of loyalty and the enduring bond between humans and mans best friend.