Robert Watson (historian) facts for kids

Robert Watson (born around 1730, died 1781) was a smart Scottish man. He was a minister, which is like a religious leader, and also a professor. He was best known as a historian, someone who writes about the past.

Robert Watson's Early Life and Career

Robert was born in St Andrews, Scotland, around 1730. His father was a chemist and also made beer.

Robert studied at several universities: St Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. After his studies, he became a licensed preacher. This meant he was allowed to give sermons.

He wanted to work in a church in St Andrews. But he didn't get the job. Soon after, he became a professor of logic at St. Salvator's College. Logic is about how we think and reason.

In 1777, he became the principal of the college. This means he was the head of the college. That same year, King George III also gave him a job at the church and parish of St. Leonard.

Robert Watson passed away on March 31, 1781.

Robert Watson's Famous Books

In 1777, Robert Watson published a very important book. It was called History of Philip II of Spain. This book was very popular!

Even Horace Walpole, a famous writer, praised it. The book was translated into French, German, and Dutch. It was printed seven times by 1812, showing how many people wanted to read it.

When Robert died, he was working on another book. It was called History of the Reign of Philip III. Another writer, William Thomson, finished it for him. It was published in 1783.

John Stuart Mill, a very important thinker, once wrote about his childhood reading. He said his "greatest delight" was Watson's books about Philip the Second and Third. This shows how much people enjoyed Robert Watson's historical writings.

Robert Watson's Family

On June 29, 1757, Robert Watson married Margaret Shaw. They had five daughters together.