John Gray arrives in Edinburgh

In the mid 1800’s gales lashed across the coastline of the British Isles causing many deaths. All farming and garden work was at a stand still, due to flooding.

John Gray was born on the 14th May 1814 in Forfar, Scotland, he was the youngest of three children. His mother’s name was Elizabeth (nee Allen), he had a brother James and sister Elizabeth. His father George Gray a gardener.

John Gray followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a gardener. With harsh weather at the time, like most other young men in Scotland, he was often unemployed. He came to Edinburgh with his wife Jess (nee Petrie) and his son also named John, to try and find work as a gardener. With young John growing up the elder John was now nickname ‘Auld Jock’. The family lived in squalor, with very little cash from their savings left.

John Gray, after much deliberation, joined the Police Force as Constable No 90 Warrant number 1487, he was paid thirteen shillings a week, rising to fifteen shillings if he proved his worth. He was also provided with an apartment in Halls Court off the Cowgate, at a rent of one shilling a week.

John Gray’s beat was in an area that included the Upper Cowgate, the Grassmarket, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, the grounds of Heriot’s Hospital and the Cattle Market. This part of the Old Town of Edinburgh was one of the busiest, with many criminals at large – robbery, drunkenness and disorder were constant. The new constable had plenty of work to do.

Police Constable in night uniform c1850s