Walter Scott

Scott had an unsuccessful love relationship with Williamina Belsches of Fettercairn. The early failure had a catastrophic effect on him emotionally.

In 1797, he first met Charlotte Genevieve Charpentier. After three weeks of courtship, the two married on Christmas Eve at St Mary's Church, Carlisle. The couple was blessed with five children, of which four survived. His wife passed way in 1826.

He was ordained as an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Duddington and sat in the General Assembly for a time as representative elder of the burgh of Selkirk.

Sir Walter Scott was born on August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was a lawyer and his mother was the daughter of a physician.

When he was two, he suffered from polio which left him lame. Young Scott spent much of his growing up years in Sandyknowe with his paternal grandparents.

As a child, he was fond of listening to tales and legends of the Scottish border. He was a voracious reader, reading almost everything he laid his hands on, right from history and drama to fairy tales and romance.

In 1778, he returned to Edinburgh. Following year, he began his formal studies at the Royal High School of Edinburgh. By this time, he was able to walk but with a pronounced limp.

Finishing school, he moved to Kelso for six months, studying at the local grammar school. In 1783, he enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study classics. There he befriended Adam Ferguson and Thomas Blacklock.

In 1786, he apprenticed at his father’s office as a Writer to the Signet. Taking up a career in law, he went back to the university to gain a formal degree in the subject. Completing his studies, he became a lawyer in Edinburgh and was called to the bar in 1792.

In 1796, he began his literary career, starting off by translating the works from German. His first publication was translations of two rhymed version of ballads by Gottfried August Burger, ‘The Chase’ and ‘William and Helen’

Following his first publication, he translated the works of Goethe’s ‘Gotz von Berlichingen’ in 1799. Same year, he was appointed Sheriff-Depute of the County of Selkirk, based in the Royal Burgh of Selkirk.

In 1800, his first original work, ‘Glenfinals’ and ‘The Eve of St John’, was published. Written in a short narrative style, the poetry brought him much public attention and appreciation.

His childhood interest in border ballads finally took the form of three volume poetry collection by the name, ‘Minstrelsy Of the Scottish Border’ which was published in 1802-03. With this collection, he attempted to restore the original compositions but with a touch of romanticism. The collection also gave a glimpse of his long-standing interest in Scottish history.

Scott’s earliest career success came with the three- volume poetry collection, ‘The Lay of the Last Minstrel’. He later invented the genre of modern historical novels with his prose fiction, his first novel being, ‘Waverley’ that gained a cult status and enjoyed wide appreciation. Most of his works gave an insight about his deep knowledge of Scottish history and the region. His brilliant storytelling technique beautifully interweaved the Scottish history and the society in a captivating manner.