Robert Lambe (author) facts for kids

Robert Lambe (1711–1795) was an English priest and writer. He lived a long life in the 1700s and was known for his interesting books and poems.

Robert Lambe's Life

Robert Lambe was born in Durham, England, in 1711. His father, John Lambe, was a mercer, which means he sold fabrics and small goods. Robert went to Durham School. Later, he attended St John's College, Cambridge, starting in 1728. He graduated in 1734.

After college, Robert became an Anglican priest. He worked in several church roles. First, he was a minor canon at Durham Cathedral. Then, he became the perpetual curate of St Hilda's Church in South Shields. From 1747, he was the vicar of Norham in Northumberland. He stayed in Norham for the rest of his life.

Lambe was known for being a bit unusual. For example, when he decided to marry Philadelphia Nelson, he had only met her once, many years before. He sent her a letter asking her to meet him on Berwick pier. He told her to bring a tea-caddy so he could recognize her! But on the day, he forgot to show up. Even so, they got married on April 11, 1755.

Robert Lambe passed away in Edinburgh in 1795. He was buried in Eyemouth churchyard. His wife, Philadelphia, had died earlier in 1772. They had a daughter named Philadelphia and two sons who died when they were young.

Robert Lambe's Writings

Robert Lambe wrote several books. One of his works was The History of Chess, published in 1764. His most important work was An Exact and Circumstantial History of the Battle of Flodden. This book was a history of the famous Battle of Flodden written in verse, like a long poem. It was published in 1774.

Lambe also wrote a ballad, which is a type of poem or song, called "The Laidly Worm of Spindleston Heugh". This ballad was thought to be very old. Thomas Percy, a famous collector of old English poems, mentioned Lambe as someone who helped him with his own collection called Reliques of Ancient English Poetry.