The Howff

The Howff is a historic burial ground in the middle of Dundee, Scotland, and one of the most atmospheric places in the city centre. Established in 1564, it holds one of the most important collections of carved tombstones in the country and is protected as a category A listed building.

What is The Howff?

The Howff is a walled graveyard that has been part of Dundee's urban fabric for more than four and a half centuries. It sits on ground that once belonged to a Franciscan friary, known as Greyfriars. After the Scottish Reformation the land passed to the town, and by tradition the gift is linked to Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1564. Some accounts give a slightly different date for the charter, so it is best to treat the year as approximate.

Where does the name come from?

"Howff" is an old Scots word for a meeting place or haunt. The name fits well: for generations the burial ground was used by Dundee's craft guilds, the Nine Trades, as a place to gather. Bakers, bonnetmakers, butchers, dyers, glovers, hammermen, weavers and others met here until the later 18th century, and their business was conducted among the graves.

What can you see?

The main attraction is the tombstones themselves. Many are carved with the emblems of the trades whose members are buried beneath them, so you can read the city's working history in stone: tools, crests and symbols of craft pride. Alongside them you will find older funerary imagery. After the Reformation, the plain Christian cross was avoided in Scottish burial grounds, so carvers turned to skulls, crossbones, hourglasses and winged angels to speak of mortality and time. Winged cherubs commonly mark the graves of children.

Among those buried here is James Chalmers, the Dundee bookseller and printer widely credited with inventing the adhesive postage stamp.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need?

Thirty to sixty minutes is enough for a relaxed walk along the paths, reading the carvings and inscriptions. Photographers and history fans may want longer, especially in soft light.

Is it free?

The Howff is a public green space in the city centre and can be visited without a ticket. Check local information for current opening hours.

What is the best way to visit?

Combine it with a walk through central Dundee. The graveyard is a quiet pause between shops, cafes and the nearby civic buildings, and makes a good first stop for anyone interested in the city's medieval and early modern past.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, as a quiet historical stop. Children often enjoy hunting for the skulls, hourglasses and trade symbols on the stones. Please keep to the paths and treat the monuments with respect.

Why it is worth a visit

The Howff is compact, free and unusually rich in detail. It shows how a medieval religious site became a civic space, a guild meeting ground and finally a quiet green refuge. For anyone interested in Scottish history, funerary art or the story of Dundee's trades, it is a rewarding stop in the heart of the city.