Levett Hanson facts for kids
Levett Hanson (1754–1814) was an English writer and a special helper to royal families across Europe. He often called himself 'Sir' Levett Hanson. He spent most of his life working in different European courts.
Early Life and Education
Levett Hanson was born on December 31, 1754, in Melton, Yorkshire, England. He was the only son of Robert Hanson and Elizabeth Jackson. His family had lived in Normanton, Yorkshire, for a long time.
Levett went to school in Bury St. Edmunds in 1766. Later, in 1769, he attended a school in North Walsham, Norfolk. A famous person, Nelson, was his schoolmate there for two years. Levett and Nelson remained friends throughout their lives.
In 1771, Levett studied with Dr. Zouch in Wycliffe. Then, in October 1773, he went to Trinity College, Cambridge. After an incident, he moved to Emmanuel College but did not finish his degree. In 1776, he traveled to Europe for the first time with Dr. Michael Lort. This trip made him love living abroad and exploring new cultures.
Life and Work in Europe
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Levett Hanson only returned to England for four short visits between 1776 and his death. He spent many years at different royal courts in Europe.
In 1780, he met Prince Philip of Limbourg, the Duke of Holstein. The Duke made Levett his special advisor and gave him an award called the Order of St Philip. Later, Levett became a high-ranking member of this order and lived in Ghent for several years.
In 1787, he spent time at the court of Ferdinand, Duke of Parma. In 1789, he visited Naples and met the Hamilton family. By 1791, he had settled at the court of Duke Ercole III of Modena. There, he held important roles as a Brigadier-General and Chamberlain. He also became a member of the Royal Academy of Parma.
In 1794, Levett faced some trouble with the Austrian government. He had to leave the court of Modena, but he kept his job and remained friends with Duke Ercole III until the Duke passed away in 1803.
When he arrived in Innsbruck, Levett was arrested and held for eleven months. He was eventually tried in Vienna and then released. After this, he traveled around Germany. He was welcomed at several courts, especially at Saxe-Hildburghausen, where he received another family award from the Duke. In 1797, he settled in Erlangen.
In 1800, he became a Knight Vice-Chancellor of the Order of Saint Joachim. He later helped his friend Nelson receive this same award.
Writing and Later Years
Levett Hanson spent time writing a book called An Accurate Historical Account of all the Orders of Knighthood at Present Existing in Europe. This book was printed in Hamburg and published in London in 1803. He dedicated it to his friend, Nelson.
In 1807, Levett moved to Stockholm, Sweden. There, he was introduced to King Gustav IV by the British ambassador. An interesting story about Levett's appearance at this event is shared in a book called Memoirs of Northern Courts by Brown.
In 1811, Levett moved for the last time to Copenhagen, Denmark. In the same year, he published a book of poems called Miscellaneous Compositions in Verse. He dedicated this book to his friend, Warren Hastings.
Death and Legacy
Levett Hanson passed away in Copenhagen on April 22, 1814. He never married. His belongings and property went to his only sister, Mary. She was married to Sir Thomas Gery Cullum, a baronet from Hardwick House in Bury St. Edmunds.
Levett's letters, which contain fun and interesting details about the different royal courts he visited, are still kept at Hardwick House. There are also three portraits of him there, including a small painting by N. Hone. These items are now owned by G. Milner Gibson-Cullum.
