Fascinating Facts about the Ploughman Poet

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) - known in Scotland simply as 'The Bard' - was a poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated right around the world.

But did ye ken...?

Robert Burns fathered thirteen children, of whom five were born out of wedlock, and a further four by Jean Armour before Burns acknowledged her as his wife.

Dear-bought Bess was the first of three daughters who were baptised Elizabeth. The others were born to Ann Park (31 March 1791) and Jean Armour (21 November 1792).

Burns met his future wife in April 1785, when he was crossing the Mauchline drying green and his puppy trampled on linen which Jean was drying.

You can find out much more about the Ploughman Poet in Scottish Miscellany - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scotland the Brave, coming soon from Skyhorse Publishing.