History Begins in Such Humble Ways

History begins in such humble ways

Robert Burns was born on 25th January 1759, in the wee Ayrshire hamlet of Alloway. He was the first of 6 children born to William Burness & Agnes Broun, who were tennant farmers & built the cottage we visited today. His brother, Gilbert, was born in 1760, then Agnes in 1762, followed by Annabella in 1764. Robert's other siblings were born in their next home.

My family and I visit Burn’s Cottage regularly ~ my Dad is from Troon and we still return there for an annual family reunion.

I found this part of the display so poignant, the 4 gowns over the small bed. Perhaps it was because all the babies were delivered in that very cottage, one of them assisted by the blacksmith, but all without the medical interventions we have today. Perhaps it was because it was so unusual in those times that all of Wiliiam & Agnes's children survived through childhood. Perhaps it was because of the sheer history that our national bard, infamous throughout the world, began his days as a baby here. Or perhaps it was a reminder of our 4 children, 2 of whom are in Heaven, 2 of whom live with us.

It’s strange the things that surprise us and turn our thoughts to our children who are not here.