Isabella Burns (also known as Isabella Begg) (1771–1858) was the youngest among the siblings of the celebrated poet Robert Burns. Born to William Burnes and Agnes Broun on June 27, 1771, at Mount Oliphant Farm, she was christened on July 2, 1771, by Reverend William McGill, a close associate of her father.
In the aftermath of her passing, Isabella emerged as the final surviving member of Robert Burns’s immediate family. Over the last sixteen years of her life, she found her abode at Bridge House in Alloway, where she graciously received countless visitors captivated by her brother’s life and literary contributions.
Isabella proved to be an invaluable source of insights into Robert Burns’s life, character, and relationships. Numerous of these insights were later published. Among her siblings, she was affectionately known as ‘Isbal’. Her sisters were Agnes and Annabella, while her brothers comprised Robert, Gilbert, John, and William.
During her tenure at Lochlea, as per Robert Chambers’ documentation of her own recollections, Isabella’s principal responsibility was the care of the cattle in the fields—a role suited to her tender age. Her father often sat beside her, imparting knowledge about various grasses and wildflowers, making the most of these moments. Whenever thunderstorms approached, she anticipated her father’s company, knowing her unease during such occasions.
Isabella cherished memories of her mother’s melodious singing voice and vast collection of ballads and songs, a significant influence on Robert’s musical inclinations. She also underscored her mother’s considerate and supportive nature towards her husband.
After her father’s demise, the family relocated to Mossgiel Farm, where Isabella resided and contributed for nine years.
At age 11, Isabella recalled her sister Annabella bringing her to dance with Matthew Paterson at Tarbolton’s Bachelors’ Club when his intended dance partner failed to appear. At the time, Isabella had been attending a sewing class in the village.
Both Isabella and Gilbert were remarkably articulate and possessed literacy skills well above the average. John Wilson of Tarbolton, renowned for his work “Dr. Hornbook”, briefly served as her teacher.
Robert Bowie from Stewarton, who later became a merchant in Kilmarnock, courted Isabella for a period. However, the courtship did not culminate in marriage.
In August 1788, Isabella and Annabella were present for the birth of Burns’s second son, Francis Wallace, at Ellisland Farm on August 18, 1788.
At 22, Isabella wed John Begg at Mossgiel Farm. After a few years, the Begg family moved to Dinning Farm in Closeburn Parish, Nithsdale, in 1800. Their lease expired in 1810, and John Begg assumed the role of land steward for Mr. James Hope Vere MP on his estate in Blackwood, Lanarkshire.
Tragically, on April 24, 1813, after nearly three years at Blackwood, John met his end when his horse reared and fatally injured him. Isabella was left widowed, responsible for nine children ranging from ages three to eighteen.
Her son Robert Burns Begg authored the ‘Memoir of Isobel Begg’.
For a time, Mr. James Hope Vere provided Isabella with a modest annual allowance. However, to make ends meet, she established a dame’s school in Kirkmuirhill, which she managed for four years. Despite qualifying for the University of Edinburgh to study medicine, financial constraints led William to choose a career in teaching. After his tenure at Dalmeny Academy, he became the parish schoolmaster at Ormiston in East Lothian.
The family relocated to Ormiston, where Isabella once again initiated a school. Eventually, she moved to nearby Tranent when William resigned from his post. With the assistance of Agnes and Isabella, she supported her family by working as dressmakers.
William emigrated in 1834, and Jane passed away in July 1822, followed by Edward in March 1824.
Isabella’s son, Robert Burns Begg, secured an annuity for her, which she benefited from for several years. She later relinquished it as her circumstances improved.
In 1842, Robert Chambers and others secured a stipend for Isabella, and Queen Victoria granted her a pension. In 1843, Dr. Chambers arranged for her to have lifelong access to a charming cottage on the Belleisle estate, along the banks of the River Doon.
Returning to Ayrshire in 1843, the family resided at Bridge House in Alloway during Isabella’s final years. This quaint thatched cottage was her abode until her passing at the age of eighty-five in 1858. The house has since been demolished, but it once stood near the main entrance to Belleisle House, taking its name from the nearby bridge over Slaphouse Burn.
In 1846, Isabella and her daughters had the honor of meeting Frederick Douglass, a prominent Abolitionist leader inspired by Robert Burns. Douglass’s visit to Alloway is warmly documented in his work, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”.
A guide track for ‘The Gregg Fiddle’ is available below for listening: -
The track is additionally available within the following collections and sets: -
Associated Collections: -
9/8
Bachelors Club
Bagpipe
Jig
Robert Burns
The Tarbolton Collection
Associated PDF Download Sets: -
March 1
