Knife and fork set in old leather case

Knife and fork set in leather case used for special occasions

Introduction:

Robert Burns (1759-96) was born in Alloway, Ayrshire the son of a market gardener who feued 7 acres locally. During a short space of time the farmer poet wrote a wealth of songs and poems. He died in Dumfries of heart disease, aged 37 years.

Image Rights Holder:

National Trust for Scotland

Ref:

BMT722

Project:

198:The History of Robert Burns at Alloway

Material:

Metal & bone

Dimensions:

14cm x 4cm x 2cm

What:

Knife and fork set in old leather case

Subject:

Gilbert Burns (1760-1827) was married to Jean Breckenridge Burns and was the brother of Robert Burns. Having spent most of his life farming he latterly became factor on the East Lothian estates of Lady Katherine Blantyre. He died at Grant's Braes.

Who:

Robert Burns (poet)

Lady Katherine Blantyre (East Lothian land owner)

James Breckenridge (father of Mrs Gilbert Burns)

Mrs. Gilbert Burns (Jean Breckenridge) (sister in law of Robert Burns, poet)

When:

Late 1700's

Where:

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, South Ayrshire

Background:

Gilbert Burns (1760-1827) was married to Jean Breckenridge Burns and was the brother of Robert Burns. Having spent most of his life farming he latterly became factor on the East Lothian estates of Lady Katherine Blantyre. He died at Grant's Braes.

Description:

The knife and fork set illustrated have silver and tortoiseshell handles are contained in an old leather case. They were the property of James Breckenridge, father of Mrs. Jean Burns ((1764-1841) Grant's Braes, Haddington.