John Byres of Coates

Sir John Byres of Coates (1569–1629) was a 16th/17th century Scottish banker and merchant who served as Treasurer and Old Provost for Edinburgh Town Council.

In the late 16th century he bought tenements (from Gilbert Lauder) on the Royal Mile north of St Giles Cathedral close to the Old Tolbooth and the Luckenbooths.

His monument stands on the western wall of the original churchyard, on the lower north section close to the half-sunken vault of John Baptist Medina.

They had six sons and one daughter including his heir: Sir John Byres of Coates and Warriston, 2nd Baronet (1619-1648).

[3] It is noteworthy that the Walker sisters chose to be buried next to John Byres in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Byer's tenement and bank (left) facing onto the Tolbooth Prison and St Giles
Coates House, Edinburgh
The grave of John Byres of Coates, Greyfriars Kirkyard
Symbolic carvings on the tomb of John Byres of Coates, Greyfriars Kirkyard