Edinburgh Graveyard Where Real Harry Potter Characters Are Buried

Greyfriars Kirk, nestled in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh and which dates back to the 16th century, is more than just an old church with well-trodden burial grounds. 

Rumor has it that the names emblazoned on headstones in the graveyard inspired JK Rowling to create characters of similar names in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

The final resting place of the real Thomas Riddell – a general who died on November 24, 1806 at the age of 72 – is commonly speculated that his name could have inspired the character of Lord Voldemort and his real name of Tom Marvolo Riddle. 

William McGonagall – unfortunately known as one of the worst poets in Scotland – who was buried in an unmarked grave, although an inscribed slab was later installed in 1999, is thought that his name inspired that of Professor Minerva McGonagall. 

And a grave belonging to Elizabeth Moodie, a name which may have inspired the fictional character Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody. 

You’ll also spot the names of Scrymgeour (which could have influenced the character of Rufus Scrimgeour), Cruikshanks (a slightly different spelling to Hermione Granger’s cat, Crookshanks) a family of Potters and a family with the name Black. 

In addition, the entire Kirkyard is rumoured to have been the inspiration behind the fictional resting place of Harry Potter’s parents, Lily and James, in Godric’s Hollow. 

It is also believed that Hogwarts was based on the neighbouring George Heriot’s School, and another iconic Edinburgh location, Victoria Street, gave her the idea for Diagon Alley. 

Rowling (left) wrote much of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone book sitting in The Elephant House café, which has sweeping views across Greyfriars Kirkyard. 

She has previously acknowledged her connection to Edinburgh stating: “Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafés”. 

FYI, I had written a related post “Harry Potter and the Scottish Connection” published June 28, 2017.