Frances Dunlop facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Anne Wallace Dunlop
|
|
|---|---|
Frances Dunlop
|
|
| Born | 16 April 1730 |
| Died | 24 May 1815 (aged 85) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
Frances Anne Wallace Dunlop (born April 16, 1730 – died May 24, 1815) was an important Scottish woman. She owned land and was a close friend and letter-writer to the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
Early Life and Family Connections
Frances Dunlop was born on April 16, 1730, in Scotland. She came from a very old and respected family. Her ancestors included a brother of William Wallace, a Scottish hero. William Wallace is famous for fighting for Scotland's freedom.
Frances was the last surviving daughter of Sir Thomas Wallace of Craigie. When her father passed away in 1760, she inherited his family's property. This made her a significant landowner.
In 1747, when she was just seventeen years old, Frances married John Dunlop. He was from Dunlop, a place in Scotland. She also supported Janet Little, a poet known as "The Scotch Milkmaid."
Friendship with Robert Burns
Frances Dunlop met the poet Robert Burns in the winter of 1786. This was soon after he published his first book of poems. She was recovering from a serious illness when she read his poem, The Cottar's Saturday Night. She loved the poem so much!
Frances immediately sent a messenger to Burns's home, Mossgiel Farm. It was about fifteen miles away. She asked for six copies of his book. She also invited him to visit her home, Dunlop House.
She also mentioned her family's connection to the hero William Wallace. Burns was very happy that she noticed his efforts. He wanted to celebrate her famous ancestor in his poems.
From that time on, Frances and Burns became very good friends. They wrote many letters to each other. Burns often shared his deeper thoughts and feelings with her. He also sent her copies of his new poems. Some famous poems he shared include Auld Lang Syne and Gae fetch to me a pint of wine.
In his later years, their friendship faced a difficult time. Burns sent her several letters but did not receive replies. In his very last letter to her, dated July 12, 1796, he wrote that he was very ill. He mentioned that he would soon be "beyond that bourne whence no traveller returns." This meant he knew he was close to death.
Frances Dunlop passed away on May 24, 1815.
Family Life
Frances Dunlop married John Dunlop of Dunlop, Ayrshire, in 1747. They had a large family together. They had seven sons and six daughters. One of their sons was James Dunlop of Dunlop, who became a Lieutenant General.
Robert Burns honored Frances by naming his second son after her. His son was named Francis Wallace Burns.
