Dumfries, the Old and New Bridges 1890

The River Nith divides Dumfries from Maxwelltown. Dumfries itself became a royal burgh in the 12th century, but the two towns were not officially amalgamated until 1929. Robert Burns came to the town in 1791 and lived with his wife and family in a house in Millhole Brae. Burns died in 1796 at the age of 36 and is buried in St Michael's Church.