The birth place of Burns

Category

Library Item

Item no

17643

Title

The birth place of Burns

Description

A cottage stands by the side of a track, surrounded by trees in Alloway, Ayrshire. A herd of cattle are being driven down the path and are passing three boys playing with a ball and sticks. The cottage has a thatched roof and a lady is standing in the doorway watching another approach her.

Engraver

J Cousen

Date

1839

Size

26 x 16.5 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Robert Burns is Scotland's national poet. He was born on the 25th January 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire. He was the son of a tenant farmer and was brought up working the land, but like many sons of Scottish farmers received a good education.
In 1786 he published a volume of his poetry called Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. The book was an immediate success and was the start of his transformation into a national hero. He continued to write poetry and songs until he died on the 21st July 1796 aged just 37. Every year, on the anniversary of his birth, thousands of Scots at home and abroad gather together to celebrate the poet's life and works by holding Burns Suppers.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Cattle

Homes > Residential buildings > Cottages

People > Children > Children playing

Places > Scotland > Ayrshire

Plants > Trees > Trees

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