The Howff Dundee

This was first published back in 2012 but I have now updated it with photos I did not publish before

The Howff is a cemetery in Dundee, and until I spotted the place I never knew of its existence but I was mesmerized once I walked in the place. I had never seen such a crowded cemetery before.

"The land of the burial ground was part of the Franciscan (Greyfriars) Monastery until the Scottish Reformation. In 1564 Mary, Queen of Scots granted the land to the burgh of Dundee, for use as a burial ground. It was used for meetings by the Dundee Incorporated Trades, and subsequently became known as The Howff, from the Scots word howff meaning a meeting place. Meetings at The Howff ceased in 1776.The last burial took place in 1857. The walls along the west side date from 1601." (taken from Wikipedia). If you are ever in Dundee then this place is a must to visit my only disapointment was I did not see the grave of James Chamers inventor of the postage stamp who is buried in the cemetery.

Looking across the cemetery

Above one of the tombs which took my eyer with the skull and on top a skeleton

Looking the towards the D. C. Thomson building the where the Beano and Dandy were printed.

Below a similar view from nearer the building

Some of the headstone the wording was very clear.

Right a Table tomb

Around the walls are a few vaults

Looking at how close the tombs and graves are together you have to wonder is the other was disturbed during the burial, from what I read many were.

Seagulls are one thing you never get away from

Being as it is a harbour port they get everywhere

 One of the memorials attached to a wall and some of the monuments and graves

 Some places the grass is worn away between the graves

 A lot of tombs have some intricate carving on them

The gnarled trees that you can see growing give the cemetery a creepy look

The limbs twist all over the place. My son is stood looking at a grave in this photo, he is over six foot tall and the monument behind him is double his hight

 A lot of stones have erected by on them and the deceased in smaller letters below. This is so the predominant benefactor can be seen to have buried the person.

One of the old entrance gates and Another view towards the Thomson Building

 And this the meeting place, it was a tradition to leave some money which still happens as coins are still left on top.

The grass is kept short which is good to see

 There are a few trades shown on this headstone which is in good condition considering it was put there in 1796

A couple of the paths that take you through the Howff. It was a visit I really enjoyed when I was there in 2010 to see my son. I have not been back their since but if I ever go back to Dundee this place will be one of the first places I will visit. If you are ever there then spend some time looking around the cemetery, it is well worth it.

Till Next time

Take Care and Stay Safe