Edward Shepherd Creasy facts for kids

Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy, a historian and judge

Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy (born September 12, 1812 – died January 17, 1878) was an English historian and a judge. He is most famous for his book The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World. He also worked as a high-ranking judge in Ceylon (which is now called Sri Lanka) for many years.

Life of Edward Creasy

Edward Creasy was born in Bexley, Kent, England. His father worked as a land agent. Edward went to Eton College, a famous school, where he won a special award called the Newcastle Scholarship in 1831. He then studied at King's College, Cambridge.

After his studies, he became a lawyer in 1837. He was then appointed as an assistant judge in a court in Westminster.

In 1840, Creasy started teaching history at the University of London. During this time, he wrote several history books. His most well-known book, The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, was published in 1851.

Edward Creasy was given the title of "Sir" in 1860. This means he was knighted for his important work. After this, he moved to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He served there as the Chief Justice of Ceylon from 1860 to 1875. This was the highest judicial position in Ceylon at that time.

While in Ceylon, he was also the president of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society from 1861 to 1864. In July 1864, Sir Edward Creasy helped start the Colombo Rowing Club.

In 1875, he returned to England because his health was not good. He passed away in London on January 17, 1878.

Works and Books by Edward Creasy

Sir Edward Creasy's most famous book is The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, published in 1851. In this book, he explained why he believed certain battles were very important. He thought some battles were decisive because they stopped Eastern armies from entering Europe. Other battles were important because they helped shape the development of Great Britain. At the time he wrote the book, Britain was a leading world power.

Some of his other notable books include:

• Biographies of Eminent Etonians (1850) – This book was about famous people who went to Eton College.
• Historical and Critical Account of the Several Invasions of England (1852) – This work looked at different times England was invaded.
• History of the Ottoman Turks, from the Beginning of Their Empire to the Present Time (1854) – This book covered the history of the Ottoman Empire.
• The Rise and Progress of the English Constitution (1855) – This book explained how the English government system developed.
• History of England from the Earliest to the Present Time (5 volumes), 1869–70 – A detailed history of England.
• Imperial and Colonial Institutions of the Britannic Empire, Including Indian Institutions (1872) – This book discussed the government systems in the British Empire's colonies, including British India.