Discovering Robert Burns at The Globe Inn: 5 fascinating items
The Globe Inn and Robert Burns share an intertwined history that provides a unique opportunity to discover the man himself
It’s fair to say Robert Burns was no stranger to a hostelry or two, but there is one that boasts a particularly intimate and intriguing association with the Bard. Described by Burns as his ‘favourite howff’, since 1610 curious minds, deep thinkers and merry souls have whiled away the hours within the walls of The Globe Inn, Dumfries.
Today, it remains a fascinating destination, and not just famous for the deep connection with the national poet. Part museum, part fine dining restaurant, The Globe Inn is now equally well-known for its incredible food and generously stocked whisky bar – something we’re sure Burns would wholly appreciate!
The Globe Inn is now equally well-known for its incredible food as well as its Burns connection.
What the Bard would also approve of, is that The Globe Inn was possibly the venue for the very first Burns night on 25th January 1819 – what would have been his 60th birthday.
As Burns night approaches this year, we asked The Globe Inn’s tour guide and resident storyteller, Kathleen Cronie, to share some of her favourite features from this unique venue.
From a verse etched on a window by Burns himself, to the very table and chair at which he would write and dine – and you can even dine at yourself – here are five fascinating things to discover when you visit The Globe Inn.
Burns bedchamber
This bedchamber was witness to a passionate affair between the Bard and Anna Park.
Three of Burns’ rooms have been meticulously preserved by successive owners of The Globe Inn, one of which is the bedchamber in which he often slept.
However, the room was much more than just place for Burns to spend the night, it was central to a love affair that inspired Burns to pen what he considered to be his most beautiful love song, ‘The Gowden Locks of Anna’.
Kathleen told us more: “Burns engaged in a passionate affair with Anna Park at The Globe Inn – some of their more intimate exchanges took place in this bedchamber. Anna was the niece of the landlady Mrs Hyslop, and their relationship resulted in a daughter, Elizabeth, who was later adopted by Jean Armour, Burns’ wife, following Anna’s death.”
The window etchings
Robert Burns etched these very words into the glass of the window that is still in place today.
There is something else within Burns’ bedchamber at The Globe Inn that makes it utterly unique. He etched a number of verses onto the glass of the window that can still be seen today.
Kathleen describes the window as “a source of delight for guests of The Globe Inn”, and indeed, it’s incredible to think that these verses, scribed by the man himself onto the glass still survive in place today.
Dine at Burns’ table
The Burns Room can be booked for private dining.
Not much has changed in the dining room where Burns ate, drank, recited and caroused. In fact, his very table and chair are still in place. Kathleen explained: “The Bard’s chair sits proudly in the Burns Room, along with his table.
“This is where once upon a time, Burns would sit and recount the news of the day fresh from the Edinburgh Mail Coach to an assembled crowd, bringing it all to life. Guests can take a seat in the chair, but they must adhere to the rules, either reciting some Burns, or treating everyone in The Globe to a drink!”
Alternatively, the Burns Room can be booked for private dining. You and your friends can savour a bespoke 10 course menu with perfectly paired beverages and entertainment at Burns’ Table. Without a doubt it’s a special experience whether you’re a Burns aficionado or not.
Mauchline ware cover book
The Globe Inn is home to many books and writings both by and relating to Burns.
Not an item belonging to Burns, but a book passed to his granddaughter from his eldest son, is a touching souvenir of Ellisland, the farmhouse the Bard built for his family in 1788. The book features a Mauchline ware cover depicting the house.
Kathleen told us more: “Burns’ eldest son Robert wrote a dedication inside the book to his daughter Jane Emma Burns. It later entered the library of Burns’ great-granddaughter Jean Armour Burns Brown. It was from Ellisland Burns would travel to Dumfries on his excise duties, often spending the night at The Globe.”
Finial from Burns’ death bed
This finial comes from the bed in which Robert Burns passed away.
The Globe Inn may be home to the bed and bedchamber Burns frequented on his overnight stays and from which he conducted a passionate affair, but it also has an artefact from a bed of very difference significance…
“Following Burns’ death at his home in Dumfries, his widow Jean Armour received numerous requests for souvenirs and keepsakes,” explained Kathleen. “Pieces of the bed in which Burns died were made into snuff boxes and wooden vases.
“We have the finial of the bed here at The Globe Inn which was given to Jean’s niece Jessie Lees. It was displayed as part of the Burns Centenary Exhibition in Glasgow in 1896.”
Whether intrigued by the Burns connection or enticed by the Michelin level fine dining, The Globe Inn is a truly unique place to visit. Tours and dining can be booked online.
