Pryse Lockhart Gordon facts for kids

Pryse Lockhart Gordon (born April 24, 1762 – died September 2, 1845) was a Scottish writer. He was known for writing his personal memories and travel guides.

Pryse Gordon's Early Life

Pryse Lockhart Gordon was born on April 24, 1762, in a place called Ardersier, in Inverness-shire, Scotland. His father, Reverend Harry Gordon, was a minister there. When Pryse was very young, his father passed away. His mother then moved with him to Banffshire to live with her own father.

Education and Military Career

Pryse went to school in Banff. Later, he briefly attended the University of Aberdeen. At just 15 years old, he joined the marines. His main job in the military was helping to find new recruits. He didn't see much fighting, only a few short trips at sea.

In 1792, he joined a different army group set up by the Duke of Gordon. After serving for five years in Scotland, he got permission to travel to Italy. He went with his friend, Lord Montgomery, who was unwell. Pryse stayed in Italy until 1801. When he returned, his army group had been disbanded.

Life After the Military

Pryse Gordon found a new job opportunity in Menorca. But just as he was about to leave, he met a kind young widow. He married her in the autumn of 1801. This marriage meant he no longer needed to work in the military.

Travels and Later Years

After living in Banff Castle and then in London, Pryse traveled again. In 1811, he went to Sicily with Lord Montgomery. He stayed there until 1813, when he became very ill from a sunstroke.

The next year, after a time of peace, he moved to Brussels. He lived there until he passed away. Pryse Lockhart Gordon died in Cheltenham, England, on September 2, 1845. He had one son, George Huntly Gordon.

Pryse Gordon's Writings

Pryse Lockhart Gordon was a talented writer. He wrote books that shared his experiences and knowledge.

Travel Guides and Memoirs

In 1823, Gordon wrote a helpful book for people traveling to Italy. It was called A Companion to Italy. This book was very popular. Because of its success, he then published his Personal Memoirs in 1830.

His memoirs were filled with stories about famous people he had met. These included Lady Hamilton, Admiral George Brydges Rodney, and other important figures. He also wrote about looking for old paintings and ancient items. This was a time when people could find great deals, but also when it was easy to be tricked by fake items.

Gordon even helped a famous scholar, Charles Burney, get a special book. It was a copy of Constantine Lascaris's Grammar, which was the very first Greek book ever printed. This book later went to the British Museum.

Describing Important Events

In his memoirs, Gordon also described what it was like for the English people living in Brussels right before the famous Battle of Waterloo.

He also shared a story about Admiral Rodney. Gordon said that Rodney told him he had learned a lot from an essay about naval tactics written by Clerk of Eldin. This showed how much Rodney valued Clerk's ideas.

In 1834, Gordon published another book called Holland and Belgium. This book included notes about the Belgian Revolution and why it happened.