Fodor's Expert Review Canongate Kirk

Old Town Free

This unadorned Church of Scotland building, built in 1688, is best known for its graveyard. It is the final resting place of several notable Scots, including economist Adam Smith (1723–90), author of The Wealth of Nations (1776); Dugald Stewart (1753–1828), the leading European philosopher of his time; and the undervalued Scottish poet Robert Fergusson (1750–74). The fact that Fergusson's grave is even distinguishable is due to the far more famous Robert Burns (1759–96), who commissioned a marker to be made. Incidentally, Robert Burns's literary lover Agnes Maclehose (the "Clarinda" to his "Sylvander" as noted in a series of passionate letters) also has a memorial stone here.

Free Cemetery

Quick Facts

153 Canongate
Edinburgh, Edinburgh  EH8 8BN, Scotland

0131-556–3515

canongatekirk.org.uk

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr.

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