Richard Gall facts for kids

Richard Gall (1776–1801) was a talented Scottish poet. He wrote many popular songs and poems during his short life. He was also friends with famous poets like Robert Burns and Thomas Campbell.

Early Life and Learning

Richard Gall was born in December 1776 at Linkhouse, near Dunbar, Scotland. His father was a notary, which is a person who can legally witness signatures on documents.

Richard went to school in Haddington. When he was just eleven years old, he started learning a trade. He became an apprentice to his uncle, who was a carpenter and builder.

Later, Richard moved to Edinburgh. There, he became an apprentice at a printing shop. He used his free time to study and learn even more.

His Work and Friends

After his time as a printer, Richard Gall worked as a travelling clerk for a man named Mr. Ramsay. He stayed in this job until he passed away on May 10, 1801.

People noticed Richard's writing skills while he was alive. He was lucky to be friends with two very famous poets: Robert Burns and Thomas Campbell.

Popular Songs

Many of Richard Gall's songs were turned into music. They became very popular with people.

Interestingly, two of his songs were mistakenly thought to be written by Robert Burns. These songs were 'The Farewell to Ayrshire’ and 'Now bank and brae are clad in green.’ Richard Gall himself sent 'The Farewell to Ayrshire’ to a collection called 'Johnson's Scots Poetical Museum,' and he put Burns's name on it. The other song appeared in another book called 'Cromek's Reliques of Burns.'

Years after his death, a collection of Richard Gall's 'Poems and Songs' was published in Edinburgh in 1819.