John Barbour

c.1316 - 1395

Poet and historian. Known as the Father of Scottish Literature, Barbour noted for his epic narrative poem on the life and exploits of Robert the Bruce, The Brus, which extends to almost 14,000 lines and was written around 1375. Most likely born in Aberdeen, he was educated at Oxford and Paris. Barbour later became Archdeacon of Aberdeen (1357).

He is buried in the south aisle of St. Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen, where a new memorial consisting of carved wooden panels has recently been dedicated in his honour.

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