Dunbar, William c.1460-c.1520
Scottish poet

Born probably in East Lothian, he seems to have studied at St Andrews University (1475-79). He became a Franciscan novice, and travelled widely in England before leaving the order. He then became secretary to some of James IV's embassies to foreign courts. In 1500 the king gave him a pension. The following year he visited England, and as a courtier of James IV he wrote poems, including The Thrissil and the Rois and the Lament for the Makaris. In 1508 Walter Chepman (c.1473-1538) printed seven of his poems - the earliest specimen of Scottish typography. Dunbar also wrote satires, such as The Twa Marriit Wemen and the Wedo and The Dance of the Sevin Deadly Synnis. His name disappears from the records altogether after the Battle of Flodden (1513).

Bibliography: J Baxter, William Dunbar, a biographical study (1952)