Watch Tower Newington Old Burial Ground
Date 21 August 2020
Event ID 1102676
Category Management
Type Site Management
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1102676
2-stage, circular-plan, corbelled and castellated watchtower with external staircase set in re-entrant angle of boundary walls; doorway at ground; 2 single windows and further doorway at 1st floor.
Opened on 4 December 1820 as an extension to Buccleuch burial ground which had become overcrowded. The high walls and watchtower (which housed an armed guard) were considered essential precautions against the resurrectionists. Notable internments; many leading Edinburgh clergymen and professionals along with Jean Lorimer ('Chloris'), subject of several of Burns' songs. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)
