Right is a view of the Burns Monument
designed by William Fraser and completed in 1896. The small village
of Mauchline is situated 8 miles southeast of Kilmarnock on the
A76, as seen on the right in this photo. The monument has been used
as a Tourist Information Centre and Museum in the past but seems
to be closed just now. It is situated on the west side of Mauchline
(traveling towards Kilmarnock). Locals say it may be reopened to
the public soon. |
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The
Burns House Museum as seen left is situated in the centre of Mauchline
amidst period buildings and cobbled streets. The museum contains a
period room in which the poet Robert Burns began his married life,
a display of Burns memorabilia and gives information on Burns life
in Mauchline (1784-1788). The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10.30-1700
and 14.00-17.00 on Sunday’s; it is closed on Monday’s.
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Mauchline
Church is also situated in the village centre next to the Burns House
Museum. The church was completed in 1829; 41years after Burns had
left the village. Mauchline Church is built on the site that previously
held St Michael’s Church built in the 1200s. |
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Mauchline
Castle as seen below was built in the 1400s as a monastic residence
for Melrose Abbey. Robert Burns is believed to have married Jean Armour
in the castles dining room. With the castle now being the family home
of Alexander Hamilton, it is not open to the public. However, you
do get rear views of the castle from the cobbled streets around the
Burns House Museum. |
Poosie Nansie’s Tavern is situated
across the road from the church. This is one of two pubs in the
centre of Mauchline ideally situated for drinks and meals. The oldest
parts of Poosie Nansie’s date back to the 1700s. This tavern,
that may have been a brothel in the times of Burns, inspired Burns
to write the cantata Jolly Beggars. Meals available from 12.00 -
15.00 Monday to Friday, 12.00 - 20.00 Saturday and Sunday. For enquiries
phone 01290 550 316. Agood website with more information on Machline
is www.mauchlinevillage.co.uk. |
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