Other sites of interest
There are a number of other sites of interest to Burns enthusiasts in and around Dumfries. A number of the sites below can be found along the Town Centre Trail.
Burns Mausoleum
In St. Michael’s kirkyard, with the church’s impressive spire dominating the skyline, you will find Burns’ final resting place. The mausoleum is situated in the eastern end of the kirkyard. Originally buried in a modest grave, Burns’ remains were moved to what was deemed a more fitting location in 1815 where he now lies with his widow Jean Armour and five of their family.
The mausoleum gates can be opened for visitors by staff from Robert Burns House but it is best to telephone ahead (01387 255297) to check when this option is available.
Saint Michael’s Cemetery, Dumfries, DG1 2LJ
Burns Statue
Set up by public subscription in 1882, this Statue was carved by ‘Carrara craftsmen’ in Italy. The dominant position of the statue shows the honour in which Robert Burns is held in Dumfries. See if you can spot Luath, Burns’ Scots collie dog… we wonder whether the craftsmen had ever seen one before!
Burns Statue Square, Dumfries
Brow Well
During the 18th century, Brow Well was renowned in Dumfriesshire for the apparent healing qualities of its waters. When his health started to deteriorate in 1796, Burns visited the Brow Well staying at the nearby Brow Inn, which has since been demolished. We now know that Burns’ ‘flying gout’ was rheumatic fever, and three days after his visit to Brow Well, he died at Robert Burns House, Dumfries.
Brow Well is now a place for Burns enthusiasts to visit and contemplate his life and poetry. Please note that you will need your own transport to access Brow Well.
B725, around 3 km from Ruthwell
The Hermitage
Located in the grounds of what is now the statuesque Friars Carse Hotel, The Hermitage is just a short and interesting walk from Burns’ home at Ellisland Farm.
Burns referred to The Hermitage as the ‘livied cot’ and he used it as a place to write poetry and talk with friends at Friars Carse, home to his friend Captain Robert Riddell. He may have also been looking for a break from his growing family!
As can be found at a number of other sites along the footsteps of Burns, he made his mark on The Hermitage, scratching some lines from a poem onto a window with a diamond stylus.
Friars Carse Hotel, Auldgirth, Dumfries, DG2 0SA
Jean Armour Statue
The statue of Jean Armour in Dumfries was erected by the Burns Howff Club opposite St Michael’s Kirk, the site of the Burns Mausoleum, in 2004. It was decided that the statue design would feature Jean Armour as she would have appeared during the lifetime of Robert Burns, with a Bible in hand and the figure of a five-year-old child at her feet.
Brooms Road, Dumfries DG1 2PS
Theatre Royal
Burns was heavily involved in the construction of a theatre while he lived in Dumfries and continued to patronise the Theatre Royal during his years in the town. Whilst he was unable to contribute financially, his talents and connections would prove invaluable and he was able to contribute to the theatre through his friendships with other artists.
The Bard wrote several pieces for the stage, including ‘A Scots Prologue’ which was performed as a fundraiser at the new theatre and ‘The Rights of Women’ for Louise Fontanelle when she performed in the newly opened theatre in 1792.
66-68 Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH
Photo credit: GE Photography
ST mICHAELS cHURCH, dUMFRIES
The elevated site of St. Michael’s Dumfries was where Dumfries first started to develop over 1,000 years ago. It has had three churches on the site, the latest dating from the mid 18th century, and it was here that Robert Burns, and many illustrious others, worshipped. Burns’ Mausoleum is located in the churchyard that neighbours the church, and we are a must see for those tracing the footsteps of our famous bard. Additionally you will find many historic references and artefacts, to include some of the finest stain glass windows in South West Scotland.
87 St Michaels Street, Dumfries DG1 2PY
