Patrick Brydone facts for kids
Patrick Brydone (born January 5, 1736 – died June 19, 1818) was a Scottish traveler and writer. He was known for his exciting journeys and the popular books he wrote about them. He was also a member of important groups like the Royal Society.
Contents
Patrick Brydone's Life and Travels
Patrick Brydone was born in a place called Coldingham in Scotland. This was on January 5, 1736. After studying at St. Andrews University, he started traveling. He worked as a "travelling tutor" or "bearleader." This meant he guided young gentlemen on their trips abroad.
Around 1770, he went on a special tour with some friends. They explored Sicily and Malta. At that time, not many travelers had visited Sicily. This made his journey quite unique.
His Famous Book
His adventures in Sicily and Malta became a very popular book. It was called A Tour through Sicily and Malta. He wrote it as a series of letters to his friend, William Beckford. The book came out in 1773. People loved his descriptions of Italy.
The book was a big hit! Many copies were sold in England. It was even translated into French and German. This shows how interesting and well-liked his travel stories were.
Later Life and Work
Because of his knowledge and writings, Patrick Brydone became a member of the Royal Society in 1773. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. He also helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783.
Brydone also had an important job in the government. He was the Comptroller of the Stamp Office. This office collected taxes on official documents. He spent his later years quietly and passed away on June 19, 1818.
Patrick Brydone's Family
In 1785, Patrick Brydone married Mary Robertson. Her father was a famous historian named Professor William Robertson. Patrick and Mary had three daughters. Their oldest daughter, Mary, married Gilbert Elliot. He later became the 2nd Earl of Minto.
