Born 1553.—Died 1599.—Mary.—Elizabeth.
The author of theFairy Queen, six books of which were unfortunately lost by his servant when coming fromIreland, where Spenser was private secretary to the cruel Lord Grey de Wilton. He was the great friend of Sir Philip Sidney and Sir Walter Raleigh. He was born and died in London.
Born 1564.—Died 1616.—Mary.—Elizabeth.—James I.
Universally acknowledged as the greatest poet that ever lived. He was born in 1564 at Stratford-on-Avon, and when quite young delighted the court of Queen Elizabeth with his genius. His plays are the best known of his works, and those which relate to historical subjects are treasuries of information upon the manners, customs, and mode of life of the times they represent.
Born 1552.—Died 1618.—Edward VI.—Mary.—Elizabeth.—James I.
Was born at Hayes, in Devonshire, and was one of the “Devonshire Worthies.” He was the son of aDevonshire gentleman of small fortune, who rose rapidly in favour with Queen Elizabeth from his wit, good looks, and great talents. He was sent on a command to Ireland, and afterwards took great part in colonizing Virginia in North America. In the reign of James I. he was unjustly accused of high treason and sent to the Tower, where he wrote his famous “History of the World.” He was beheaded at Westminster, though his guilt was never proved.
Born 1561.—Died 1626.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
Lord Verulam, was born in London. This extraordinary man was a great statesman and lawyer, an eminent writer, and has been called the Light of Science and Father of Experimental Philosophy. He was made Royal Keeper and Lord Chancellor under James I., and then trafficked in the decisions of the woolsack. After a career of unbounded expense and themost unprincipled use of his high offices, Bacon was impeached and sentenced to a kind of imprisonment within twelve miles of the court. For five years he presented the pitiful sight of vast genius, united to a total want of principle or high character, and with all his splendid gifts he died despised and in disgrace.
Born 1574—Died 1637.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
This celebrated English poet and dramatist was born in Westminster. After serving to his credit as a soldier in the Netherlands, he became a player and dramatic writer. He was distinguished for his wit, learning, and various information, as well as for his writings. He was made Poet Laureate by James I.
Born 1594.—Died 1643.—James I.—Charles I.
This brave gentleman, born at Great Hampden, in Buckinghamshire, distinguishedas a patriot, was the first to refuse payment of the shipmoney levied by Charles I. He was one of the foremost of those who reasonably opposed the king’s unconstitutional acts. He was killed at the battle of Chalgrove, near Oxford.
Born 1598.—Died 1641.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
This famous Flemish portrait painter was a pupil of Rubens, but imitated Titian in his warm, rich colouring. He lived in England for many years, being much patronised by Charles I.
Born 1573—Died 1644.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
Archbishop of Canterbury, was born in Berkshire, and educated at the grammar school, Reading, and at St. John’s College, Oxford, of which he became President. As Primate in the turbulent reign of Charles I., he was associated with repressive measures against the Puritans, towhom he made himself so obnoxious that through their instrumentality he was beheaded on Tower Hill.
Born 1572.—Died 1652.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
An architect, born in London in 1572. He designed many imposing public buildings in his own peculiar style—the Banqueting House, Whitehall, the Church and Piazza of Covent Garden, etc.; many stately brick and stone country houses were also built by him. He has been called the “British Vitruvius.”
Born 1598.—Died 1657.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
Born at Bridgewater in Somersetshire. He was first distinguished as a Parliamentary General. He afterwards raised the name of the English navy, under Cromwell, to almost its greatest height. He burnt nine pirate ships in Tunis Harbour, and after a series of battles and brilliantvictories, in which he several times defeated the Dutch under Van Tromp, he carried off the spoil of several rich Spanish plate galleons at Teneriffe. That same year, just as his well-known ship theSt. Georgewas entering Plymouth sound, Blake, worn out with toil and disease, breathed his last.
Born 1578.—Died 1657.—Elizabeth.—James I.—Charles I.
This eminent man of science, born at Folkestone in Kent, was physician extraordinary to James I. and Charles I. He was the first discoverer of the circulation of the blood, but his great modesty of character prevented him from making it known till many years after.
Born 1613.—Died 1667.—James I.—Charles I.—Charles II.
Born at Cambridge, became Bishop of Down and Connor, in Ireland. He was chaplain to Charles I., andwas present during several of his campaigns. After the royal martyr’s death he kept a school in Wales, and there wrote the beautiful devotional works by which his name will be remembered.
Born 1608.—Died 1674.—James I.—Charles I.—Charles II.
This great poet, born in Bread Street, London, was Cromwell’s Latin Secretary, and was strongly imbued with republican opinions. HisParadise LostandParadise Regainedare models of sublime verse; andComusand many smaller poems and sonnets are full of beauty and learning. Milton was totally blind, and was obliged to dictate his poems to his daughter, who wrote for him. He was buried in St. Giles’ church, Cripplegate, London.
Born 1617.—Died 1680.—James I.—Charles I.—Charles II.
A celebrated portrait painter, whosepictures are full of grace and exquisite colouring. He painted the well-known beauties of the court of Charles II.
1628–1688.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.
Born in Bedfordshire, where he began life as a tinker, then enlisted as a soldier in the Parliamentary army, and ended by preaching, for which he suffered imprisonment for twelve years. While in prison he wrote his famous allegoryThe Pilgrim’s Progress, and several others, by which his name will always be known.
Born 1631.—Died 1700.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.
The translator ofVirgiland the author ofThe Hind and Pantherand other celebrated political and descriptive poems of singular energy and force. His plays also are well known. He was born at Aldwinkle, in Northamptonshire.
Born 1632.—Died 1704.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.
A celebrated philosopher and man of learning, was born at Wrington, near Bristol. He wrote the essay upon the Conduct of the Human Understanding.
Born 1620.—Died 1706.—James I.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.
This Surrey country gentleman was remarkable as a naturalist and man of literature. He wrote a famous Diary, and “Silva,” or account of Forest Trees; also on engraving.
Born 1637.—Died 1711.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William and Mary.—Anne.
Bishop of Bath and Wells. The friend and relative of Isaac Walton. Was appointed to the bishoprick of Bath and Wells by King Charles II. He refused to take the oath of allegiance to William and Mary, and was consequently deprived of his see.He was one of the most eminent of those who for this refusal were calledNonjurors. He was the author ofThe Evening Hymn, and other pious works.
Born 1646.—Died 1719.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
The first astronomer-royal after Greenwich Observatory was built. He made many astronomical discoveries, and drew up the catalogue of the stars seen in our astronomical hemisphere.
Born 1672.—Died 1719.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
Was born at Milston, in Wiltshire, of which his father was Rector, and educated at the Charter House and Magdalene College, Oxford. He is chiefly known by his papers in theSpectatorandTatler. His style was pure and flowing, though more polished and artificial than the English of the present day. He heldseveral appointments, and became Secretary of State. He died at Holland House, Kensington.
Born 1650.—Died 1722.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
Duke of Marlborough. This celebrated general, born in Devonshire, went to court as a page under Charles II. He married the beautiful Sarah Jennings, became attached to the Duke of York (James II.), and rose rapidly, through his great military genius. James II. created him Lord Churchill, and by basely forsaking him for William III., he was created Earl of Marlborough. In the war of the Spanish Succession (1702) Marlborough dashed from the Low Countries (Belgium) to Bavaria, and defeated the French and their allies at Donauwert, Blenheim (on the Danube, thirty-three miles from Ulm), Ramilies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet, and Arleux, and in numberless smallerengagements. After the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, Marlborough was created a Duke, and received from the nation a property and splendid palace near Woodstock, built by Sir John Vanbrugh, and called Blenheim. Marlborough was unhappy in his private life.
Born 1632.—Died 1723.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
Was born at East Knoyle, in Wiltshire. He was the greatest architect of his age, after Italian models. He did not understand the principles of Pointed, or what is called Gothic Architecture. Besides re-building many of the churches destroyed by the great fire of London, he built the Theatre at Oxford and re-built St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is the greatest of his works. The Latin inscription to him to be read there justly says, “If you seek for his monument, look around you.”
Born 1642.—Died 1727.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
This great man was a native of Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire; he has been called the founder of natural philosophy. He made great discoveries in astronomy by applying the principle of gravitation to the planets; and established important facts in optics and mathematics. His great works were thePrincipiaandOptics. He was a man of the gentlest disposition, and was so unassuming and modest that he seemed unaware of his own genius. He died at Kensington.
Born 1671.—Died 1729.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
The friend of Addison and editor of theSpectator,Tatler,Guardian, andEnglishman, in which he also wrote.
Born 1661.—Died 1731.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
The author ofRobinson CrusoeandtheHistory of the Plague, was the son of James Foe, a butcher of Cripplegate in London. He also wrote tracts which several times got him into trouble.
Born 1688.—Died 1744.—James III.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
This celebrated poet of the 18th century, the son of a linendraper in the Strand, London, translated theIliadandOdyssey, wrote theRape of the Lock, theEssay on Man, and other poems.
Born 1667.—Died 1745.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
An Irish divine, born at Dublin, was a distinguished wit and writer. He wrote many satirical works, andGulliver’s Travels. His bitter, morose spirit tinges all his works. He died insane as Dean of St. Patrick’s.
Born 1692.—Died 1752.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
The author of the famous Analogyand Sermons, which have been long used as text-books of moral philosophy at our universities; he was Bishop of Bristol and afterwards of Durham, and Clerk of the Closet to Queen Caroline. He was born at Wantage in Berkshire, and died at Bath.
Born 1707.—Died 1754.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
Son of Lieutenant-General Fielding and great grandson of the third Earl of Denbigh, was born at Sharpham, in Somersetshire. He was the author ofTom Jonesand several other novels full of character and accurate descriptions of varieties of life, but disfigured by the great coarseness of the age in which he wrote. He died of dropsy at Lisbon.
Born 1726.—Died 1759.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This brave General, born in Kent, earned during his short life of thirty-three years unusual distinction. He was appointed General of the Britishtroops in North America, under Lord Chatham’s administration, and fought in the siege of Louisbourg, which surrendered, in Cape Breton. While afterwards besieging Quebec, Wolfe was shot at the moment of his victory over the French under Montcalm, and when told that the French troops were flying, said, “I die content.”
Born 1689.—Died 1761.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This celebrated novelist was born in Derbyshire. He was educated at Christ’s Hospital, and began life as a printer. He was the first English writer of fiction who, inSir Charles Grandison, avoided the coarseness which disfigures Smollett’s and Fielding’s works. He wrote alsoPamelaandClarissa Harlowe, which have been translated into most of the European languages.
Born 1697.—Died 1764.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
Born in London, began life as an engraveron silver: he became a great painter. The engravings ofThe Rake’s Progress,Marriage à la Mode,The Analysis of Beauty, etc., are universally known. His works are full of satire and instruction, though not of the most pleasing kind.
Born 1688.—Died 1766.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
The first Pretender, son of James II., who when living at St. Germain, in France, landed in Scotland after the battle of Sheriffmuir, and made a public entry into Dundee. His small army soon melted away, and he escaped in a small vessel from the Bay of Montrose to Gravelines. Unhappily, eight Jacobite noblemen had been induced to rise in this rebellion, and though most of them escaped, Lords Derwentwater and Kenmure were beheaded on Tower Hill.
Born 1738.—Died 1768.—George II.—George III.
Born at Clonmel in Ireland, wasauthor ofThe Sentimental Journey,Tristram Shandy, and other works.
Born 1714.—Died 1770.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
The founder of the sect of Calvinistic Methodists, was born in Gloucestershire, was educated at the Crypt School there, and at Pembroke College, Oxford, and first displayed there his extraordinary powers as an eloquent and forcible preacher. He worked with the Wesleys in Georgia in America, until differences arose, which divided the Methodists into two sects, and he died the rival of Wesley, near Boston, in the United States.
Born 1721.—Died 1771.—George I.—George II.—George III.
Born in Scotland, was a physician, but is best known as the author of a very poor continuation ofHume’s History of England, and very powerful and striking novels, the talent ofwhich is defaced by coarseness and want of religious principle. He died at Leghorn.
Born 1716.—Died 1772.—George I.—George II.—George III.
A mechanic of extraordinary abilities, born at Thornsett, in Derbyshire. He planned the Bridgewater canal from Worsley to Manchester, and several other great works of inland navigation.
Born 1725.—Died 1774.—George I.—George II.—George III.
A famous General in the East India Company’s Service, born at Styche, in Shropshire. He fought the French under Count Lalley, and took from them Ponticherry and Chandanagore. He defeated the Nabob of Bengal, Surajah Dowlah, who put 146 English prisoners into the Black Hole of Calcutta—twenty feet square—and after the battle of Plassey he secured for England the Empire of India. LordClive was called by the Hindoos “The Daring in War.” He was impeached for using his position to enrich himself, but acquitted, and committed suicide.
Born 1728.—Died 1774.—George II.—George III.
Born at Pallas, near Longford, in Ireland. He wrote by turns prose, poetry, and plays. His poems ofThe Deserted VillageandThe Traveller, and his tale of theVicar of Wakefield, are almost equally famous.
Born 1711.—Died 1776.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
Wrote the History of England and Essays. His writings are sadly tinged with unbelief and bitterness. He was born and died in Edinburgh.
Born 1708.—Died 1778.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
Lord Chatham. This great statesman, the son of Mr. Robert Pitt of Boconnoc,in Cornwall, during a most successful administration, raised the dignity of England to a high standard. His eloquence as a debater was extraordinary, and when he burst forth in indignant invective, scarcely any adversary could stand against him. He was seized with his last illness (apoplexy) in the House of Lords, and died soon afterwards.
Born 1728.—Died 1779.—George II.—George III.
This great navigator, born at Marton, in Yorkshire, made many useful geographical discoveries. He sailed three times round the world, and was at last killed in one of the Sandwich Islands.
Born 1716.—Died 1779.—George I.—George II.—George III.
Was born at Hereford. He is generally considered to have been altogether the most famous actor ever known on the English stage. Hewas also a good writer of light literature: he died in London.
Born 1723.—Died 1780.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This eminent lawyer is best known by hisCommentariesandAnalysis of the Laws of England, in which the information is conveyed in very clear and beautiful English: he was born in London.
Born 1709.—Died 1784.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
The son of a bookseller at Lichfield, was a man of immense learning and capacity. HisEnglish Dictionary,Essays,Rambler,Idler,Rasselas, andTour to the Hebrides, show his great range of knowledge and powers of mind. His life has been admirably written by his friend James Boswell.
Born 1720.—Died 1788.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This Second Pretender to the Britishcrown was the grandson of James II. of England. He embarked in theDentellefrom the Loire month, and landed in Invernesshire, near Moidart, and soon raised 1,600 men. He entered Perth, Linlithgo, and took up his abode in Holyrood Palace. The Highlanders’ charge at Prestonpans chiefly won the engagement there, and a second at Falkirk; but at Culloden the unfortunate Pretender was obliged to see that any attempt to disturb the English throne was a vain bubble. The Duke of Cumberland, known as the Butcher, committed atrocious cruelties after the battle. Charles Edward was once saved by Flora Macdonald, and again by hiding in a cave on Mount Benalder. At length a French privateer came off the Scottish coast, and after many hairbreadth escapes, he reached France in safety. Lords Kilmarnock, Balmerino, and Lovat were executed for their share in this rebellion of ’45. He died at Rome in 1788.
Born 1727.—Died 1788.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This famous painter was for a long time self-taught, and his genius was first made known by his painting the head of a thief, who was looking over the wall of the garden in which the boy was painting by stealth. The head was so strikingly like, that the man was convicted upon it.
Born 1703.—Died 1791.—Anne.—George I.—George II.—George III.
The founder of Methodism, was born at Epworth, Lincolnshire. He was a missionary for three years in North America among the Red Indians. In his day the English Church was characterized by a great want of vigour and discipline, and Wesley and his disciples did a great work in rousing the zeal of the Church, from which he had no intention of separating, and stirring up a spirit of labour and good works. Wesley wasa preacher of great eloquence, with an aptness of illustration which was very attractive to the classes to whom he chiefly addressed himself.
Born 1732.—Died 1792.—George II—George III.
A manufacturer, originally a hairdresser at Bolton, in Lancashire, was the inventor of the spinning jenny: he had large mills at Cromford, near Derby, was knighted in 1786, and died possessed of great wealth.
Born 1718.—Died 1792.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This famous admiral was born at Walton-on-Thames. He gained a great victory over the French under Comte de Grasse, which won for the admiral his peerage. He fought a great battle off Cape St. Vincent, and captured four Spanish ships. After winning the battle he went on to relieve Gibraltar.
Born 1723.—Died 1792.—George I.—George II.—George III.
This great painter was most celebrated for his portraits, especially his exquisite pictures of children. He also painted historical subjects, and published his discoveries on painting, which were the substance of his lectures before the Royal Academy. Sir Joshua was a Fellow of the Royal and Antiquarian Institutions. He was born at Plympton, in Devonshire.
Born 1737.—Died 1794.—George II.—George III.
A celebrated historian, whose chief work was theDecline and Fall of the Roman Empire, a standard and classical work; the only fault in which is that it contains an attack on the Christian religion. It was written chiefly at Lausanne, in Switzerland, where he often stayed.
Born 1730.—Died 1795.—George II.—George III.
Born at Burslem, in Staffordshire,the son of a potter. Wedgwood had the merit of instituting an entirely new era in the manufacture of English pottery. By intelligent observation, the study of chemical appliances, and unwearied industry, he worked a complete revolution in the making, glazing, and painting of earthenware and china. His pottery-works in Staffordshire, ‘Etruria,’ became celebrated all over the world, and he earned for himself and his family great wealth as well as distinction. His delicate manufacture of embossing white figures on a coloured ground, called ‘Wedgwood ware,’ is well known and much prized. He first gave the impetus to the Staffordshire and other potteries which has enabled England to rival the first china manufactories in the world.
Born 1728.—Died 1797.—George II.—George III.
Born in Dublin, was one of the mostdistinguished parliamentary orators ever known. He was in opposition during the Grafton Ministry (1769), but was afterwards drawn to Fox by the debates on the taxation of the American colonies, especially on tea, against which Burke made a famous speech (1771). He also supported Fox with all the splendour of his oratory under the Duke of Portland (1783). The grandest of all his speeches was said to be that against Warren Hastings, in whose impeachment he took a great part. He also spoke in the strongest way against the French Revolution, and by so doing separated himself from Fox (1791). Burke died in 1797. His writings are voluminous; the best known are hisReflections upon the French Revolutionand hisDiscourse on the Sublime and Beautiful. He lived (when in the country), died, and was buried at Beaconsfield, in Buckinghamshire, where “Burke’s Grove” is well known.
Born 1731.—Died 1800.—George II.—George III.
A poet, born at Berkhampstead, whose writings are full of the best and highest teaching. He is best known byThe Task,The Castaway, andTable Talk; but his smaller poems,On My Mother’s Picture,The Three Hares,John Gilpin, etc., more fully show his sensibility, general kindness, and playful wit. He also translated theIliad. Cowper’s blameless and useful life was darkened by fits of despondency and depression, which in the end nearly destroyed his mind; but the light of religion never failed him.
Born 1738.—Died 1801.—George II.—George III.
This brave General was engaged against Napoleon I. in Holland and Egypt, and always maintained the fame of English arms. He won two battles at Aboukir, in Egypt, the last of which cost him his life.He fought on, though desperately wounded, till the battle was over.
Born 1738.—Died 1805.—George II.—George III.
A soldier who first served under the Marquis of Granby in the Seven Years’ War in Germany. On the breaking out of the American war he was sent there, and at first was very successful, but in 1781 was obliged to surrender at York Town to the United American and French armies. In 1786 he was sent to India, where he took Bangalore and defeated Tippoo Sahib; on returning to England he was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and was instrumental in carrying out the Union of England and Ireland. He died of fever in India, whither he was sent as Governor General, on his way to join the army at Ghazepore.
Born 1758.—Died 1805.—George II.—George III.
This most famous of all the English admirals was the son of the rectorof Burnham Thorpe, in Norfolk, where he was born, and went to sea first as a midshipman in theRaisonable, 64 guns, then in a West Indiaman. He afterwards returned to the Royal Navy, and saw service in the Arctic Ocean, the West Indies, and South America. He was a Commodore at the battle of St. Vincent, when he first boarded theSan Nicholas, jumping through the cabin window, and then sprang on to theSan Joseph, crying, “Victory or Westminster Abbey!” In 1798 Nelson fought the battle of Aboukir near Alexandria, in Egypt. The French admiral’s ship,L’Orient, blew up, and only two French ships escaped. Nelson was immediately created ‘Lord Nelson of the Nile.’ In 1805 he hoisted his flag on board theVictory, and fought the battle of Trafalgar, between Cadiz and Gibraltar. When grappled to theRedoutable, whose rigging was full of sharpshooters, a shot was fired through Nelson’s shoulder and spine,and he died three hours afterwards, cheered by the news that the French were totally defeated.
Born 1752.—Died 1806.—George II.—George III.
The second son of Lord Chatham, born at Hayes, in Kent, was a greater statesman even than his father. At the age of twenty-three he became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and was Prime Minister almost till his death. His eloquence was brilliant and startling, and in spite of opposition sneers, and the ridicule which nicknamed him “the ambitious young man,” and of being often in a minority, the support of the king (George III.) and of the country, who enthusiastically seconded his opposition to Napoleon Buonaparte and the First Empire, steadily maintained him in power, and he held his ground against Fox and the Coalition ministries. War was declared with France, against all that Fox, Sheridan, and Grey could advance.The battle of Trafalgar raised his hopes of peace, which the news of Austerlitz quenched; and being worn out with gout, toil, and anxieties, the great minister, as has been well said, “died of old age at forty-six,” after nineteen years of public service. He was so thoroughly beloved that the nation voted him a magnificent funeral, burial in Westminster Abbey, and £40,000 to pay his debts.
Born 1749.—Died 1806.—George II.—George III.
This great orator and statesman, the third son of the first Lord Holland, belonged to the opposite party in politics to Pitt, and they were continually at war throughout their public career,—Pitt representing the Tory, Fox the Whig party. Fox made his first speech in Parliament against John Wilkes, who at that time was always stirring up sedition and spreading his infidel opinions. The Fox and North coalitions broke up on anIndian Bill, and the one hundred and sixty supporters of Fox who lost their seats in the election that followed, were known as “Fox’s Martyrs.” Fox estranged Burke from him by his opposing the war with France, and thus tacitly supporting the French Revolution. After the death of Pitt, Fox again came into power under Lord Grenville, and his last acts were striving to put an end to slavery in the British dependencies, and bringing about peace with France. He was attacked with dropsy about seven months after the death of Pitt, at whose funeral he had spoken a noble eulogium on his great public rival.
Born 1771.—Died 1806.—George III.
Born near Selkirk, was the first modern traveller who penetrated into the heart of Africa. He went down the Niger, and after passing through a great variety of adventures and hardships, he was killed near Boussa.
Born 1761.—Died 1809.—George II.—George III.
The son of a Dr. Moore, born at Glasgow, became a brave general. He was at the taking of St. Lucia with Abercrombie, was employed in the Irish rising, and fought in Egypt and Holland. While commanding an English army in Spain during the Peninsular war, he made his famous retreat on and was killed at Corunna.
Born 1751.—Died 1816.—George II.—George III.
An Irishman, born in Dublin, whose wit, oratory, and parliamentary eloquence won him a dazzling reputation. He was the personal friend of Fox, and the companion of George IV. as Prince of Wales, but was always in debt and many difficulties. He was also celebrated as a dramatist, and wrote the comedies ofThe Rivals,The School for Scandal, theDuenna, and a play calledPizarro. But he is chiefly known by what are called hisbon mots, or witty sayings, which are unrivalled. He died in London in extreme want.
Born 1732.—Died 1818.—George II.—George III.
This remarkable man, born in Worcestershire, went to India at seventeen, and after filling several important posts was made Governor General of India in 1773. His administration was famous for the submission of the formidable enemies of England, Hyder Ali and Tippoo Sahib; but his cruelties to the Begums (princesses) of Oude and in the Rohilla war were the subject of his impeachment and trial before the House of Lords in Westminster Hall. Sheridan pleaded the cause of the Begums in what has been reckoned the finest speech ever heard in modern times. Warren Hastings was acquitted, but he was a ruined man until the East India Company nobly pensioned him for life with £4,000 a-year, paid hisdebts, arid lent him £50,000 without interest. He died in retirement at the age of eighty-six.
Born 1736.—Died 1819.—George II.—George III.
This celebrated mechanic and natural philosopher began life as a mathematical instrument maker, but having his attention very early called to the nature and power of steam, he directed all his energies to improvements in steam engines, and made important experiments and discoveries. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Born 1796.—Died 1820.—George III.
A poet who, if he had lived a little later, would have been admired, praised, and had a school of imitators. As it was his sensibilities were so wounded by the severe criticisms made upon his poems that he fell into ill-health and died. HisEndymionis the poem by which he isbest known, but his volume shows that he had the merit of being beforehand with the “Lake School” in freeing English poetry from artificial trammels and opening for it a wider and more natural spirit. He was a native of London.
Born 1738.—Died 1822.—George II.—George III.—George IV.
This great astronomer discovered a new planet, which he calledGeorgium Sidus, but which is now calledHerschel. He erected an enormous telescope at Slough. His son, Sir John Herschel, continued his discoveries, and became one of the greatest astronomers yet known.
Born 1792.—Died 1822.—George III.—George IV.
A poet of the most extraordinary genius and imagination, was born in Sussex. Some of his writings are unfortunately tinged with infidelity and false beliefs. His translationsfrom the Greek and longer poems are very beautiful, especially thePrometheus Unbound. Shelley was drowned in the Bay of Spezzia in Italy.
Born 1749.—Died 1823.—George II.—George III.—George IV.
An English physician, celebrated as the discoverer of vaccination as a preventive of small-pox. Born at Berkeley, in Gloucestershire, he was educated at Cirencester school, and was for several years a pupil of the celebrated John Hunter. He was rewarded with several pensions as a recompense for his discoveries and disinterested labours.
Born 1757.—Died 1823.—George II.—George III.—George IV.
The greatest of a family of actors—John Philip, Stephen, Charles, and Mrs. Siddons,—whose father was proprietor of a provincial theatre. Kemble’s fine figure and splendid face wereof great service in his personation of such characters as Coriolanus, Brutus, and Julius Cæsar; Hamlet was one of his favourite parts, which particularly suited his somewhat sad and severe features. The Kemble family raised the English stage to a perfection and dignity it has never since attained.
Born 1788.—Died 1824.—George III.—George IV.
A poet, whose magnificent and musical language and passionate power conceal the want of principle and poverty of heart of most of his poems.Childe Haroldis the most celebrated of his works,The Prisoner of ChillonandThe Bride of Abydos, the best in aim. Lord Byron’s life was a bad one. He died at Missolonghi, in Greece.
B. 1743—D. 1825.—George II.—George III.—George IV.
Anna Letitia Aikin, daughter of Dr. Aikin, a writer and literary man.Mrs. Barbauld was the first writer of really appropriate stories for very young children, and herChildren’s Hymns in Prosewill probably be known as long as the English language lasts.
Born 1755.—Died 1826.—George III.—George IV.
An eminent sculptor. He represented in marble the tragedies of Æschylus, Homer, and Dante. He executed two celebrated works,—“The Fury of Athamas,” and the “Cephalus and Aurora,”—and is well known by his monuments, one of the finest of which is that to Lord Mansfield, in Westminster Abbey.
Born 1778.—Died 1829.—George III.—George IV.
A celebrated natural philosopher, chiefly noted for his discoveries in chemistry and galvanism. He was the inventor of the safety-lamp for use in mines. His lectures at the Royal Institution were models of thenarrative of scientific enquiry, and his general reading and information were extraordinary.
Born 1769.—Died 1830.—George III.—George IV.
A well-known portrait painter, and President of the Royal Academy. He drew good likenesses in pencil and ink at five years old, and received a prize from the Society of Arts at thirteen for a copy in chalk of Raphael’s Transfiguration. His portraits in the Waterloo Gallery at Windsor are very celebrated. He painted exquisite pictures of children.
Born 1754.—Died 1832.—George III.—George IV.
A poet, born at Aldborough, in Suffolk, who perhaps first opened men’s eyes in England to the poetry of common things. His tales in verse are admirable pictures of everyday life, full of pathos. Crabbe went to London to try to make his fortune by literature,but would have perished of want had it not been for Edmund Burke, who generously befriended him in every possible way.
Born 1771.—Died 1832.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.
One of the most extraordinary literary men on record. He was born in Edinburgh, and intended for the law, and practised for a short time in Edinburgh; but his literary genius asserted itself too strongly to allow of any other pursuit. HisBorder Minstrelsywas succeeded by longer poems—theLay of the Last Minstrel, theLady of the Lake,Lord of the Isles,Marmion, and others; and these again by a succession of novels, all differing in their rich abundance of character and incident, and all possessing a charm which few other works of fiction can even now present. He bought a property called Abbotsford, on the Tweed, and having fallen into difficulties throughthe failure of one of his publishers, he ruined his health by excessive work to pay his debts. Scott is often called, from the enchantment of his genius, “The Wizard of the North.”
Born 1759.—Died 1833.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.
Was a native of Hull. After many years’ active labour to obtain the emancipation of slaves in the English dependencies, in which his chief coadjutors were Clarkson, Granville Sharpe, and Lord Brougham, Wilberforce lived to see the Act of Emancipation passed under William IV.
Born 1745.—Died 1833.—George II.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.
This excellent and remarkable woman, born at Stapleton, near Bristol, who lived through four English reigns, was a well-known moral writer. In her early life she was distinguished for her brilliant socialqualities, and was well known in the circles which Johnson, Burke, Reynolds, and Garrick frequented. Afterwards she withdrew from the world and devoted her time to active good works and writing. Her tracts on many useful subjects have been much read.
Born 1772.—Died 1834.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.
A native of Devonshire. This original and profound thinker was a moral philosopher, a most eloquent writer, and a poet. He was also remarkable for his singular conversational powers. His translation of Schiller’sWallenstein, hisAncient Mariner,Remorse,Christabel, etc., and his essays calledThe Friend, stamp him as a true poet and philosopher.
Born 1785.—Died 1841.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
A powerful and careful painter ofcommon subjects, was born near Cupar, in Fifeshire. TheBlind Fiddlerfirst established his reputation. His portraits in the National Gallery at Edinburgh are well worth seeing.
Born 1781.—Died 1841.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
An eminent sculptor, born near Sheffield, well known for his busts and memorial figures. His monument of the Sleeping Children with the broken snow-drops in Lichfield Cathedral, his figure of Watt in Westminster Abbey, and his bust of Scott, are perhaps some of the best and most remembered of his works.
Born 1774.—Died 1843.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
Poet Laureate, born at Bristol. His numerous works embrace many varieties of literature. In poetry theCurse of Kehama,Thalaba, andVision of Don Roderick; in prosehisHistory of Brazil,The Doctor, and theLife of Nelson, show his great learning and research, power of language, and variety of attainments.
Born 1777.—Died 1844.—George II.—George III.—William IV.—Victoria.
A poet and essayist. ThePleasures of Hope,Gertrude of Wyoming,Exile of Erin, andMariners of England, are universally known and admired.
Born 1780.—Died 1845.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
Was the third daughter of Mr. John Gurney of Norwich. She is well known for her life devoted to works of philanthropy, and chiefly for her memorable labours for the reformation of female prisoners. Her earliest endeavours were made in Newgate prison, and the reforms introduced there under her influence were extended to all the other prisons in the kingdom. In the pursuit of herobject she visited the chief cities of Europe, where she met with warm sympathy and encouragement. Her energies were always at the service of the sufferers and the wretched of every class.
Born 1775.—Died 1845.—George III.—George IV. William IV.—Victoria.
This famous Irish political agitator was born in Kerry, and educated at St. Omer’s, in France. He was called to the bar in 1798, and elected member for Clare in 1828. In spite of the continued opposition of George IV., Irish agitation through O’Connell urged the Government to pass the Catholic Relief Bill, which was done in 1829, and one of the king’s last reluctant acts was to sign it. O’Connell supported the Government in the passing of the Reform Bill, but came into collision with Earl Grey upon the Irish Coercion Bill (1837). He foolishly began an “agitation” for the Repeal of the Union(1843), and was arrested on a charge of sedition, found guilty, and condemned to pay a fine of £2,000 and suffer two years’ imprisonment. The House of Lords, however, guided by the discernment and firmness of Lord Lyndhurst, reversed the decision and set O’Connell free. He went abroad in broken health, and died at Genoa in 1847.
Born 1786.—Died 1847.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
When Captain Franklin this brave and persevering explorer went out to discover the north-west passage, and after several expeditions to the North and Polar seas, he started on a last Polar voyage, from which he never returned. In 1859 Captain Maclure went out on the same track, and found that Sir John Franklin had preceded him by five years in his discoveries, and been lost in the attempt.
Born 1767.—Died 1849.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
This accomplished woman wrote a number of useful and educational tales, for which the children of many generations owe her a debt of gratitude. HerFrank,Rosamond,Harry and Lucy,Moral,Popular,and Fashionable Tales,Patronage,Belinda,Harrington and Ormond, etc., are all written with a purpose of instruction that is admirably carried out. Her last and most beautiful story,Helen, shows the wretched consequences of departing from truth.
Born 1788.—Died 1850.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
This celebrated statesman (sprung from the class of artizans) raised himself to the highest station by his great talents and their careful and refined cultivation. His love of literature and general knowledge were considerable, and he was a most accomplishedleader of the House of Commons. His political life was marked by the passing of the Roman Catholic Relief and the Reform Bills, and his administration by the measures passed for repealing the Corn Laws and General Free Trade. He died from injuries sustained by a fall from his horse, in London.
Born 1770.—Died 1850.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
This eminent poet is the chief founder of what is called the “Lake School” of poetry. Throwing off the fetters of conventional and “fine” language, and clothing the reality of thought in the simplest words, Wordsworth, as a poet, is the greatest moral teacher of modern times, and no one can make a study of his works without finding himself the better for it.The Excursion,the White Doe of Rylstone,The Brothers, and a multitude of smaller poems, are well known. Wordsworth, Coleridge, andSouthey were all strict and intimate friends; but the former outlived most of his early companions, dying at Rydal at eighty years of age. It is much to be regretted that his poems are not spread in cheap forms.
Born 1769.—Died 1852.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
Arthur Wellesley, the third son of the Earl of Mornington, went into the army as an ensign in the 73rd Foot, and became a very great general and afterwards a statesman. He went to India in 1797, where his wonderful military career may be said to have begun. From India he passed to the command of the English armies in the Peninsular war against Buonaparte, where he steadily overcame the best French generals, and at Waterloo broke the whole strength of France, and obliged Buonaparte to surrender to the allies. The Duke of Wellington was a man of the loftiest character as a commander and statesman, withno thought of himself, or love of praise or gain. He lived in an unassuming way, with great simplicity, and died at Walmer Castle in 1852.
Born 1779.—Died 1852.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
An Irish gentleman and poet who spent much of his time with Lord Byron and the literary men of his time. He wrote several satirical poems, but is best known by hisLalla Rookh, and theIrish and National Melodies.
Born 1763.—Died 1855.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
A poet, whose reputation was perhaps greater than his works. HisPleasures of MemoryandItalyare those chiefly known, but he wrote a variety of smaller poems of great beauty and finish. His knowledge of literature and conversational powers were extraordinary.
Born 1803.—Died 1859.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
The son of George Stephenson, the great engineer and mechanic, who was one of the most extraordinary instances on record of the benefits of self-education and “self-help.” He placed the first locomotive engine on the line between Liverpool and Manchester in 1814. Robert Stephenson succeeded his father in all his works, and carried out several gigantic undertakings, especially the tubular bridge over the Menai Straits and the Victoria bridge over the river St. Lawrence in Canada. He was employed in making railways throughout Europe, and in America, Canada, Egypt, and India.
Born 1806.—Died 1859.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
The son of Sir Mark Isambard Brunel, the engineer of the Thames Tunnel. Sir Isambard, the son, first laid down the broad gauge system of railways,and also built theGreat Easternsteamship. His railway bridges were planned with extraordinary boldness, and that at Saltash, in Devonshire, is well known.
Born 1811.—Died 1863.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
This celebrated writer was a Charterhouse boy. His career began by his lectures upon the English Humorists and the Four Georges (the kings of that name), upon whom he discanted in terms of the most pungent and biting satire. His novels,Esmond,The Newcomes,Vanity Fair,The Virginians, have become English classics. Thackeray’s knowledge of life and character was wonderful, but he indulged in too bitter and censorious views of society.
Born 1784.—Died 1865.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
Henry John Temple. This eminent politician sat in Parliament at anearly age, and spent his entire life in various ministerial offices, ending with the highest. Through many changes of ministry he was Secretary of War for twenty years, and then became Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Prime Minister. His firmness, tact, and consummate knowledge of men and foreign affairs maintained the reputation of England on the Continent as it has never since been upheld. Lord Palmerston was not only respected as English Premier, but was also one of the most popular ministers ever known.