Burns Night Timeline

July 21, 1801

The first Burns supper

His friends hosted this event on the fifth anniversary of his death at Burns Cottage, the poet's former residence.

1786

"To Mary in Heaven"

Burns fell in love with Mary Campbell, the inspiration for some of his most famous romantic poems.

1785

Love affairs

His first child, Elizabeth "Bess" Burns, was born to his mother's servant, Elizabeth Paton, while he was pursuing a relationship with another woman, Jean Armour,