Robert Mylne – Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard

Exciting to see the inspection of the Mylne Memorial going ahead in the Kirkyard today. The memorial is showing signs of structural fatigue, with fractures through the bases of the columns a particular cause for concern. Today an expert stone conservator was on site, using scaffolding erected by the Edinburgh Bereavment Services Team, to get a close look at the monument. This will provide the information needed to prepare a full condition report and a conservation action plan. The Friends of Greyfrairs Kirkyard are supporting this project alongside Edinburgh World Heritage and Edinburgh Bereavement Services, with funds and in kind assistance as we all feel it is very important that the Mylne Monument is repaired and stands for centuries to come.

We couldn’t help but think how impressed the Mylne Family of Master Masons to the Crown would have felt if they had seen the professionalism, care and concern being lavished on their own family memorial today.

The Mylne Monument Conservation Assessment Video 1 — The Mylne Monument Conservation Assessment
Video 1

The Mylne Monument Conservation Assessment Video 2 — The Mylne Monument Conservation Assessment
Video 2

Greyfriars Kirkyard Mylne Memorial Assessment

“the hope & life of the poor”

Today this memorial is mounted on the north wall of the Kirk, but it wasn’t originally in this position. When Thomas Robertson died in 1686 “his most mournful wife and children erected this monument”. The memorial was created by Robert Mylne, the most famed & skill Master Mason to the Crown. They had it affixed to the West Wall of the original (Old) Greyfriars Kirk, in a prominent position for all to admire. When the New Greyfriars Kirk was added to the west end of the old Kirk, this memorial found itself hidden from view in the internal space between the old and new structures. This space was subsequently used as the coal cellar, meaning this marvellous memorial suffered the indignity of being hidden and covered in coal dust. When the dividing walls between the Old & New Kirk were finally removed in the 20th century, this monument was liberated and mounted in its current position where everyone can see it again. The inscription ends with the motto “Virtue survives the Grave”. Perhaps a footnote might be added saying “This Monument survived the Coal Cellar”.

Tag: Robert Mylne

Mylne Memorial Assessment

The Baille Thomas Robertson Memorial