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| Old Newington Burial Ground | |
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Old Newington Burial Ground Situated on the corner of East preston Street and the Dalkeith Road, the land for this burial ground, formerly an open field, was purchased by St. Cuthbert’s Kirk Session in 1820. It was opened for internment on the 4th December 1820. An unusual and interesting feature of the burial ground is the circular battlemented watch tower with the date 1820 incised above the door. . |
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The Body Snatchers
The incorporation of a watch tower in the new burial ground was a
security measure, particularly directed against the Resurrectionists
(body snatchers) This tower was the third of its kind in Edinburgh,
the others being in the New Calton and St Cuthbert’s burial grounds. |
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The Ronaldson Memorial The monumental sculpture of Edinburgh burial grounds is of outstanding quality and some of monuments found in the Old Newington Burial Ground exemplify the skills of the craftsmen who made them. This is a picture of the Ronaldson memorial which was erected by Alexander and William Ronaldson, "To the memory of their Mother, Father, Sister and Brother, and to other Dear Friends whose remains are interred in and near to this place." |
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The Nelson War Memorial The nearby, old established and well know firm of Thomas Nelson and Sons, whose Parkside Works were about to be demolished, were faced with the problem of where to house their war memorial. Fortunately the city council agreed to to provide a new home for this monument within the burial ground where it now resides. |
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Romance Near the middle of the burial ground stands a granite Celtic cross with special significance. It marks the burial place of Jean Lorimer who was born in 1775 and died in 1831. Robert Burns, our national poet, was greatly enamoured with Jean Lorimer and he wrote the song, "lassie wi' the lint white hair", in her honour. She also inspired him to rewrite, "Whistle and I'll come tae ye my lass", and compose other songs for her. |
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