Jenny Geddes
In 1637 there was a riot in St Giles' opposing the imposition by the King in London of a new
prayer book written by Archbishop Laud. Legend has it that the riot started when a local woman called Jenny Geddes threw her stool at the Dean giving the service, James Hannay. in objection to the first public use of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Some reputable historians believe that the Jenny Geddes story was a 19th century invention, though the disturbance certainly occurred. In fact, during it's long history lots of riots occurred outside the steps of this kirk. Right around this time I realized that we were the only Americans in this group. The rest were Brits, Canadians and Aussies.
Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the ear... ... read more 
