In which case it should be Burns' Night...

According to what I can find, it dates back to 1801, rather than 1806. "The supper can trace its roots back to 1801, 5 years after his death, where in Burns cottage friends gathered to celebrate his work."

Dunno whether that's more accurate than cetmst's date, but what's 5 years out of 200? It goes back a long way, is for sure.

Mind you, ake won't be surprised to find me disagreeing with 'is point-of-view again. ;) Burns although from simple stock was far ahead of the other poets that you mention, in understanding of the important things in life. ...you will soon find Robert Burns to be one of the finest examples of the human species ever produced"

Rubbish! He was a poet of outstanding quality, certainly. Is a thistle prettier than a rose, a tulip, or a dandelion? He's not better then Shakespeare, Kipling, etc. He just expressed himself in a different idiom. Appreciate him for the beauty he created, & they for theirs. I was lucky last night. I was out of London, & had the opportunity to gaze up into a clear night sky without hindrance of light pollution. Who gives a damn which constellation is which? The stars were beautiful!! Think about it...