Archibald Alison (author) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Archibald Alison
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Archibald Alison
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| Born | 13 November 1757 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 17 May 1839 (aged 81) Colinton, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Occupation | Minister of religion Essayist |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow Balliol College, Oxford |
| Subject | didactic and philosophical topics |
| Literary movement | Scottish enlightenment |
| Notable works | Essay on the Nature and Principles of Taste (1790) |
| Spouse | Dorothea Gregory (m. 1784) (d. 1830) |
| Children | William Pulteney Alison, physician Sir Archibald Alison, advocate |
| Relatives | Brother-in-law of the physician James Gregory |
Archibald Alison (born November 13, 1757, died May 17, 1839) was a Scottish priest and writer. He was known for his thoughtful essays and inspiring sermons. He was also a member of important groups like the Royal Society.
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Archibald Alison's Early Life
Archibald Alison was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Patrick Alison, was a local leader in Edinburgh.
Archibald went to the University of Glasgow for his studies. There, he became great friends with Dugald Stewart, a famous philosopher. After Glasgow, he studied law at Balliol College, Oxford.
In 1779, he became a deacon in the Church of England. A few years later, in 1782, he became a priest. In 1778, he started working as a curate in Brancepeth, near Durham. In 1784, he married Dorothea Gregory. She was the youngest daughter of Professor John Gregory from Edinburgh.
Archibald Alison's Career
For the next 20 years, Archibald Alison lived and worked in England. During this time, he served as a priest in several places. These included High Ercall, West Lavington, Rodington, and Kenley. From 1791 until he died, he held an important position at Salisbury Cathedral.
In 1800, he moved back to Edinburgh. He became the main priest at St Paul's Chapel in the Cowgate area. For 34 years, he did an excellent job in this role. His sermons were known for their calm beauty and graceful writing.
So many people wanted to hear him preach that a new, bigger church was built. This new church, St Paul's Chapel, was finished in 1818. It was located on York Place in Edinburgh's New Town. Alison and another priest, Rev Robert Morehead, led services there.
In 1832, he lived at 44 Heriot Row in the center of Edinburgh. He spent his last years in Colinton, near Edinburgh. He passed away on May 17, 1839. He was buried at St John's Episcopal Churchyard in Edinburgh.
Archibald Alison's Family
Archibald Alison married Dorothea Gregory in 1784. She was the sister of James Gregory, a well-known doctor. Dorothea passed away in 1830.
Archibald and Dorothea had two sons who became famous. One son was Sir Archibald Alison, 1st Baronet, who became a lawyer. Their other son was William Pulteney Alison, who became a physician.
Archibald Alison's Works
Besides writing a book about the life of Lord Woodhouselee, Archibald Alison published a collection of his sermons. This book of sermons was very popular and was printed many times.
He also wrote an important work called Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste (1790). This book explored ideas about what makes things beautiful or pleasing. It was based on the idea that our feelings about beauty come from how our minds connect different ideas.
