What secrets lie beneath John Bayne's feet?

The Mystery of the Bayne Ledger Stone

From a bow-maker’s workshop to the King’s inner legal circle, John Bayne’s rise to ‘Writer to the Signet’ was a 17th-century success story. But did his ambition extend below ground?

The ledger stone of John Bayne’s tomb is broken. In repairing it, we have a unique opportunity to look deeper. We are investigating whether this gravestone serves as the ‘lid’ to a hidden burial vault.

Join us on Saturday, 18 April, from 10:45 am to 1:30 pm, for graveyard activities followed by illustrated talks as we attempt to solve this mystery. Participants are welcome to join for all or part of the programme below.

This event is brought to you by Edinburgh World Heritage, the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the Legacies in Stone project. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

PROGRAMME

10:45 am | Greyfriars Kirkyard

Discover the John Bayne project and the work of the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard (FoGK) and Edinburgh World Heritage. You will have the chance to peer into one of the kirkyard’s known burial vaults and watch stone conservator Nic Boyes prepare the ledger stone for lifting.

11:00 am | Gravestone lifting (live)

Watch Nic Boyes carefully lift the ledger stone to reveal what lies beneath! This will be livestreamed from 11:00 am – 11:10 am at facebook.com/edinburghworldheritage.

(Please note: timings are approximate and subject to site conditions. Work will proceed in the event of rain. Visitors can view the lifting on their smartphones; large-screen viewing is also available off-site at Augustine United Church.)

11:30 am | Ground inspection (live)

Watch City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, John Lawson, as he looks at the ground surface below the ledger stone for signs of a burial vault. This will be livestreamed from 11:30 am – 11:40 am at facebook.com/edinburghworldheritage.

12:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Augustine United Church

Join us at 41–43 George IV Bridge for refreshments and two 20-minute illustrated talks:

John Bayne’s Life and Monument: Presented by Chris Cooper (FoGK).

Repairing the Ledger Stone & My Experience of Burial Vaults: Presented by Nic Boyes (Stone Conservator).

How to Find Us

• In the Kirkyard: Find us by the north entrance, accessed from the Grassmarket. Alternatively, to avoid steps, follow the path to the right from the east entrance at Candlemaker Row.
• Augustine United Church: Located at 41–43 George IV Bridge, a four-minute walk from the kirkyard.

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