Edinburgh. Greyfriars' Churchyard 1843 - 1847

This photograph of Greyfriars' Churchyard in Edinburgh was made by Hill and Adamson sometime between 1843 and 1848. It offers us a window into the social and cultural preoccupations of Victorian Scotland. The ruined church, a romantic motif, speaks to the Victorian fascination with history and mortality, further emphasized by the presence of figures in mourning attire amidst the tombstones. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the image also reflects the era's religious and social tensions. The Church of Scotland was undergoing significant upheaval, and photography provided a new medium to document and engage with these changes. Hill and Adamson were pioneers in using photography for social documentation, capturing portraits of prominent figures involved in the Free Church movement. As historians, we can delve deeper into the context of this image by researching the religious controversies of the time and the role of photography in shaping public opinion. By studying census records, church archives, newspapers, and other period sources, we can uncover a richer understanding of its historical significance.