The Forest Of Ghosts / Abandoned 18th Century Graveyard (Photo Essay)

Took my dogs and Mother-In-Law to explore the abandoned 18th Century Warriston Graveyard in Edinburgh. Hidden behind a wall on the banks of the Water Of Leith. This charming and spooky corner of my city is full of character and history.

Grave stones, statues and memorials lay scattered, with many hidden underneath the summer growth. It is easy to imagine the grave robbering cartels creeping through these woods 200 years ago looking for fresh burials. The robbers would sell the still warm bodies on the medical research black market.

A statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross stands spectacularly after many years. I wonder to whom it was bought and laid for.

The wild flowers are blooming. The graveyard and its reminants are slowly consumed by nature. Perfect for my dogs and perfect for the imagination.

"He is not dead, he is sleepeth".

I spend hours here reading about the people who once lived and worked where I live now. I like to imagine the differences and how things may or may not have changed and how these names spoke, looked and acted. What did they enjoy? What secrets did they die with?

Thomas Meikal, the grave of a Watchmaker who died in the 1850's. As far as I know there are no longer any professional Watchmakers in Leith.

Grave of a man who died in Iowa, USA.

One of the most fascinating aspect of reading graves is the mention of occupation. Some graves are laid and paid for by employers. Usually the result of a worker having no family, whom server a master for most of their life.

Unique designs were a sign of wealth.

Pre-World War One Military grave.

It was common for several generations of the same family to share the same stone. Like this one seen above.

Warriston is fascinating because it is overgrown by nature. It makes it a less morbid and strangely beautiful place to walk through. If you get the chance to visit Edinburgh let me know and I'll show around my best spots.

Have a great day,
Cotton Lazarus
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