David Erskine (dramatist) facts for kids

Sir David Erskine (born 1772 – died 22 October 1837) was a Scottish writer of plays and someone who studied old things (an antiquary). He was known for his historical plays and for collecting information about the past.

Early Life and Military Career

David Erskine was born in 1772. His father was David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan. When he was younger, David Erskine joined the army. He became a captain in the 31st Foot regiment and also served with the York Rangers.

After his regiment was made smaller, he became a teacher at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This was a special school for training army officers.

Teaching the Royal Family

While teaching at Sandhurst, Sir David Erskine had some very important students. He taught some of the children of William IV, who later became King of the United Kingdom. One of his students was George FitzClarence, who was the Earl of Munster. Because of his good work teaching the royal children, David Erskine was made a knight on September 11, 1830. This meant he was then called "Sir David Erskine."

Life at Dryburgh Abbey

In 1829, Sir David's father passed away. His father left him the family's lands, including Dryburgh Abbey in Berwickshire, Scotland. Dryburgh Abbey was an old, beautiful abbey that had become a family home. Sir David then lived there permanently.

Sir David Erskine was also a member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (F.S.A. Scot.). This group studies old objects and history. He was also a director of the Royal Academy of Edinburgh and helped start the Scottish Military and Naval Academy in Edinburgh. He passed away on October 22, 1837, when he was 65 years old.

His Writings

Sir David Erskine wrote several books and plays. Many of his works were about Scottish history.

• Airyformia; or Ghosts of great note (1825): A book about ghosts.
• King James the First of Scotland (1827): A play about King James I of Scotland. It was written in verse, like a poem.
• Love amongst the Roses: or Guilford in Surrey (1827): A military opera, which is a type of play with music, set in three acts.
• King James the Second of Scotland (1828): Another historical play, this time about King James II of Scotland. It was also written in verse.
• Mary, Queen of Scots; or Melrose in ancient times (1829): An historical melodrama, which is a dramatic play, about Mary, Queen of Scots.
• Annals and Antiquities of Dryburgh, and other places on the Tweed (1836): A book about the history and old things found around Dryburgh Abbey and other places along the River Tweed.