Discover the fascinating relics of Robert Burns, including his iconic socks and other personal items that connect us to the legendary poet.
Alloway: The National Trust for Scotland has unveiled the most viewed items from the Robert Burns collection. It’s pretty cool to see what people are drawn to, right?
Among the top five are some really personal items. There’s a wooden box with Jean Armour’s wedding ring and a couple of rings that hold locks of hair from both Burns and Jean. How sweet is that?
And get this, a pair of Burns’ socks with his initials on them made the list too! They date back to the late 1700s. Just imagine wearing something that old!
Another favorite is a fragment of the manuscript for “Auld Lang Syne.” Only six copies are known to exist, making it a real treasure. Plus, there’s a lock of hair from Highland Mary, preserved in a Bible. It’s like a little piece of history.
Caroline Smith, who manages the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, shared her thoughts on these items. She believes it’s the personal touch that really resonates with people. It’s not just about the famous words he wrote; it’s about connecting with Burns as a person.
She mentioned how the initialed socks are incredible. Just think about it—socks displayed in a museum after nearly 230 years! They’ve clearly been worn and cared for, probably by Jean herself.
Smith also highlighted the significance of “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s not just a song; it’s a piece of Scottish heritage that’s recognized worldwide. And the letter to George Sutherland? It has doodles on the back, showing Burns’ playful side.
There’s a romantic story behind Highland Mary too. Burns had a close bond with her, and even though he ended up marrying Jean, Mary inspired many of his poems. It’s a touching part of his life story.
If you want to explore more about the Robert Burns collection, you can check it out online. It’s a great way to dive deeper into the life of this iconic poet.
