In 1621, George Heriot, the Edinburgh goldsmith and moneylender to royalty whose success earned him the nickname Jinglin' Geordie, instructed his advocate to purchase landed property in the vicinity of Edinburgh, his intention being to found a Hospitall and Seminarie of Orphans ... and fathirles childrene. School continues to provide free education to Foundationers, now sons and daughters of widows, of whom 70 currently benefit. Heriot's School has grown to educate 1500 pupils, but the memory and spirit of the Founder is not forgotten and is honoured every June in a special anniversary service.