Burns Mausoleum

Take the Virtual Tour

Designed by Thomas Frederick Hunt and adorned by a marble sepulchre (pictured) of Burns at the plough by Peter Turnerelli (later restored by Hermon Cawthra) the mausoleum is a Greek-style building which is now the resting place of Burns, his wife Jean Armour Burns, and five of their sons.

On the death of Burns’ widow in 1834, Burns’ grave was opened and a plaster cast made of his skull. At the time these were of interest to phrenologists who believed that the shape of the cranium signified a person’s character. A report on the phrenology of the poet’s skull concluded that, from the dimensions of his skull, he had abilities in the subjects of mathematics and languages! Re-casts of Burns’ skull are now found in various collections throughout Scotland including a cast on display in Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries.

Burns worshipped in St Michael’s Kirk and a visit to this handsome sandstone church is also worthwhile.

Heading north from Dumfries on the A76 we rewind slightly in the story of Burns and head to the poet’s first home in the area at Ellisland Farm, only 6 miles from Dumfries

Take the Virtual Tour via Robert Burns House.