What was the original Robert Henryson Society?

The Robert Henryson Society was formed, by Dr George Philp and others, in Dunfermline on 5 November 1993. It was founded by and for all those interested in the poetry and the life of one of Scotland's greatest poets. Under Dr Philp's guidance, annual conferences were held in Dunfermline which celebrated the works of the poet. Three volumes of Proceedings were edited by Dr Morna Fleming and published by the Society.

In 2014, the Society entered into a relationship with Dunfermline Heritage Community Projects, under which aegis the Society remained as a discrete entity, but would have a more solid footing as part of the cultural heart of Dunfermline. As DHCP had a well-established publication history, the Society could benefit from the opportunity to produce new versions of Henryson's poems and general studies of the poet and his times addressed to a generalist audience. This has indeed proved to be the case with the publication of Barbara Rasmusen's translations of Henryson's Shorter Poems, a volume which has been generally well received, and which has been placed in a number of university libraries.

Unfortunately, DHCP has now ceased operations, leaving the Society as a purely digital entity.

The Robert Henryson Society website

The digital website is designed to be a repository and source for current research and scholarship on the works of Robert Henryson.

There is considerable interest in Henryson across the world, and many emerging as well as established scholars working on different aspects of the poetry and its context.

It is hoped that this site will prove attractive to scholars looking at what others are working on, but also for enthusiasts, schoolteachers and residents of Dunfermline and environs who want to know more about the poetry of the greatest Scottish medieval poet, frequently compared to the English Geoffrey Chaucer, but a very distinctive Scottish voice.

Becoming a member of The Robert Henryson Society

We would very much like to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the mailing list, particularly anyone who has an idea that could be developed. We do have funding for any project which would enhance knowledge and appreciation of Robert Henryson, particularly in the city most associated with him: Dunfermline in Fife.

Please use the 'Contact' page to get in touch with the secretary, or post a message on our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobertHenrysonSociety/ 

The picture above shows our founder Dr George Philp in classic pose - deeply engrossed in one of the many pamphlets that he wrote or facilitated throughout his long association with the various organisations promoting Scots language and literature.