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Statue in Leith Mausoleum, Dumfries Queen Laying Wreath at Mausoleum Burns Statue Unveiling - Dumfries 1882 Burns Statue, Dumfries - Present Day Statue in New York Burns Supper, 1960

HRH Queen Elizabeth at Burns Mausoleum, 1956

A monochrome photographic print which was originally published in the "Evening Citizen"

Queen Elizabeth made a royal visit to Dumfries on 16th October 1956, three years after her coronation. In this photograph she is laying a wreath on the grave of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, within his mausoleum in St Michael's Churchyard, Dumfries. She is escorted by William Wallace, Provost of the Royal Burgh of Dumfries.

Robert Burns was originally buried in St Michael's Churchyard, Dumfries, in a simple grave, marked only by a plain stone slab. His admirers came to believe that this was an insufficient memorial to the poet. In 1813 his friend, John Syme formed a committee and launched an appeal to build a mausoleum in his memory. One of the subscribers was the Prince Regent, later George IV. The mausoleum was completed in September 1817.

The ceremony of laying of wreaths at the mausoleum was observed throughout the 19th century and formed part of the celebrations of the first and second centenaries of his birth and death. It is still an important element of the rituals of Burns' birthday today and many distinguished visitors to the town place wreaths on his grave as part of the programme of their visit.

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