What is grayfriars?

Grayfriars is the name given to Franciscan friars who wear gray habits. It is also the name of several locations in the UK, including:

1. Grayfriars Kirkyard - a cemetery located in Edinburgh, Scotland, best known for being the burial place of author J.K. Rowling's inspiration for some of the Harry Potter characters.

2. Grayfriars Museum and Old Grammar School - located in Gloucester, England, this site houses a museum dedicated to the history of the city of Gloucester and a 16th-century grammar school that was attended by famous poet Robert Southey.

3. Grayfriars Priory - located in the city of Hereford, England, this was a medieval religious house that was dissolved during the English Reformation in the 16th century.

4. Grayfriars Church - located in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, this was a church that was built in the 15th century.

The name "Grayfriars" is derived from the color of the habits worn by Franciscan friars. The Franciscan Order was founded in the 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi, and its members were known for their poverty and dedication to serving the poor. The order was known for its gray habits, which were made from coarse wool. Today, the order has several branches, including the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) and the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.).