James Thomson (weaver poet) facts for kids

James Thomson (born September 10, 1763 – died 1832) was a Scottish poet. He lived in Currie, a village near Edinburgh. James was known as a "weaver poet" because he worked as a weaver and wrote poems. His poems were written in the Scottish vernacular, which is a local way of speaking. They were published in Leith in the early 1800s. Today, people remember him through the Poet's Glen in Currie. This is a lovely wooded area with a path along the river. Some streets in Currie are also named after him, like Thomson Road.

Growing Up in Scotland

James Thomson was born in Edinburgh on September 10, 1763. His parents were very poor. When he was only four months old, they sent him to live with his mother's parents. They lived in a small village called Kenleith, in the area of Currie. His grandfather worked as a weaver there. The name Kenleith comes from Killeith, which was an old chapel. The farm where James lived is now called Mid Kinleith.

Early Education and Illness

When James was six years old, he started attending the local parish school. However, he soon caught smallpox, a serious illness. After this, his grandmother kept him at home. She and an aunt taught him how to read. James was given the job of herding cows. Every day, he would take his grandfather's cow to the field. He always carried ballads or a songbook with him. He especially loved the songs of Allan Ramsay. He even learned the entire poem The Gentle Shepherd by heart.

Learning a Trade and Music

At 13, James became a weaver's apprentice. He learned from his grandfather. His grandfather's eyesight was failing, so James's good work helped their business. James also went back to school to learn how to write. Even so, his handwriting was always a bit messy. He managed to buy a fiddle and became a musician. He would entertain his friends with music and his own poems.

Family Life and Poetry

James married a young woman from his village. His grandfather became ill and passed away. For a short time, James and his wife lived in Colinton. But they soon returned to Kenleith. James continued to work as a weaver to support his family and his grandmother.

James and his wife had seven daughters and one son. They lived in a small cottage on Mid Kinleith farm. They named their cottage "Mount Parnassus," after a famous mountain in Greece known for poets. During the day, James worked as a weaver. In the evenings, he wrote songs and poems. His writings often described local people and places. He also became known for useful skills, like trimming beards for people in the village.

Published Works

A new minister in the area encouraged James to publish his poems. In 1801, his first book was released. It was called Poems, in the Scottish dialect. The book was printed in Edinburgh and published in Leith. It started with a story about James's life. It also included a special message to the merchants of Leith.

Themes in His Poetry

James Thomson wrote different kinds of poems. One set of four love songs tells a story. The first song describes the author being too bold. The second song talks about saying goodbye to sheep-folds. The tune "Logan Water" is mentioned in one of his poems. The poem also talks about the Logan Burn. In the chorus, he expresses sadness about not enjoying the singing of the skylark anymore.

James also gained support from General Scott of Malleny. He dedicated another book to him. This book was called Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect and was published in 1819. James Thomson lived a good life until 1832.

Remembering James Thomson

The stream below James Thomson's house is now called the "Poet's Burn." This is named after James Thomson, the "Weaver Poet." The stream flows down a steep area called the "Poet's Glen." It goes down to Currie Kirk and then into the Water of Leith. It passes under a bridge that is part of the Water of Leith Walkway.

His small cottage still stands at Mid Kinleith farm. You can still see "Mount Parnassus" written above the entrance door.

See also

• List of 18th-century British working-class writers