On My Poetic Side, today, we have articles about the Scots castle linked to Robert Burns that is for sale, the Rare Irish Poetry and Art book that will be the basis for a lecture and the 2023 winner of the O’Shaughnessy Poetry Award.
Scots Castle With Links to Robert Burns on the Market
The Scots Castle, where it is alleged that Jean Armour, the long-term muse of Robert Burns married the poet in the dining room, has been put on the market with a guide price of offers over £335,000.
The property, which is located in Mauchline in East Ayrshire, has had a place in history thanks to its possible connection with the poet who was an infamous womaniser. It can be dated back as far as the 15th century when it formed part of a group of monastic structures with a link to Melrose Abbey.
The property belonged to Gavin Hamilton, a lawyer and close friend of Burns, who was responsible for the construction in the late 1700s of the Georgian part of the property. It is believed that as a result of the friendship which arose between the two men, Hamilton offered his home as a place for Burns to get married.
The property, which is described as sprawling, has plenty of rooms and a tower house. It is somewhat dated inside, with antiques featuring heavily in most of the rooms. There is even a small photo of Burns hanging near the dining table.
The agents dealing with the sale of the property have described it as “An impressive A-Listed tower house dating back to the 15th century.” They are keen to advertise the connection that the building is alleged to have to the poet and also point out that the surrounding area also has a strong connection to Burns.
Rare Irish Art and Poetry Books Arrives in Andover, NY
A rare book that includes an illustrated copy of the poet The Cromlech on Howth which was published in 1861 will form part of the lecture on the Folklore of the Celtic Revival that will be taking place later in the year.
The book was acquired by Walker Metalsmiths for Stephen Walker, who has long been passionate about the subject of Celtic art. The book is famous in the world of Celtic Art and very difficult to find intact, there were only a few printed and due to the stunning colour plates, that they contain many copies have been taken apart to sell as separate pieces of art.
The book contains art by Margaret Stokes and Dr George Petrie as well as poems by Sir Samuel Ferguson.
27th O’Shaughnessy Award Winner Named
The Irish poet, Jessica Traynor has been announced as recipient of the Lawrence O’Shaughnessy 27th Award for Poetry. The award is the only prize of its type. It is open to poets who are residents in Ireland and who have made a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of the country.
Traynor is a published poet, librettist and essayist who is the current Galway University Arts Council writer-in-residence.
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