Walter Besant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Besant
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| Born | 14 August 1836 Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
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| Died | 9 June 1901 (aged 64) Frognal, London, England
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| Occupation | Novelist, historian |
Sir Walter Besant (born August 14, 1836 – died June 9, 1901) was an English writer. He wrote many novels and was also a historian. His brother was William Henry Besant, and another brother, Frank, was married to the famous activist Annie Besant.
Contents
Who Was Sir Walter Besant?
Sir Walter Besant was a well-known writer and historian from England. He is remembered for his exciting stories and his detailed books about the history of London. He also worked hard to help people in need.
His Early Life and Education
Walter Besant was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. His father, William Besant, was a wine merchant. Walter went to school in Southsea and London. Later, he studied at King's College London and then at Christ's College, Cambridge at the University of Cambridge. He was very good at math and graduated in 1859.
After college, he worked as a math teacher. He taught at Rossall School and Leamington College. He then spent six years teaching math at the Royal College Curepipe in British Mauritius. He had to leave this job because he wasn't feeling well.
In 1867, he moved back to England and settled in London. From 1868 to 1885, he was the Secretary for the Palestine Exploration Fund. This group explored and studied the history of the Holy Land. In 1874, Walter Besant married Mary Garrett. They had four children together.
Becoming a Famous Writer
Walter Besant started his writing career by publishing a book about French poetry in 1868. A few years later, he began working with another writer named James Rice. They wrote many popular books together. Two of their most famous novels were Ready-money Mortiboy (1872) and The Golden Butterfly (1876). Their partnership ended when James Rice passed away in 1882.
After Rice's death, Besant continued to write many books on his own. Some of his important novels include All in a Garden Fair, Dorothy Forster, and Children of Gibeon.
Helping Others Through His Stories
Two of his novels, Children of Gibeon and All Sorts and Conditions of Men, were very special. In these books, Besant wanted to show people how difficult life was for the poorest people in cities. He hoped his stories would make people care and want to help. His writing had a big impact! One great result was the creation of The People's Palace in East London. This was a place where working-class people could go for education, entertainment, and recreation.
Writing About London
Besides his novels, Sir Walter Besant also wrote a lot about the history of London. He planned to write a huge series of books about the city. He completed several volumes, including London in the 18th Century. His books help us understand what London was like long ago.
Other Important Roles
Walter Besant was also involved in several important groups. He was a Freemason, which is a social and charitable organization. He helped start the first Masonic research lodge called Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
In 1884, he helped create the Society of Authors and was its first chairman. This group helps support writers and protect their rights.
In 1895, he was given the title of Sir by the Queen. This was an honor for his contributions to literature. He was also the treasurer of the "Atlantic Union," a group that worked to improve friendships between people in Britain and America.
Sir Walter Besant passed away in London on June 9, 1901, when he was 64 years old.
Memorial
There is a special monument to Sir Walter Besant in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
Images for kids
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Sir Walter Besant in the 1880s.
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A memorial for Sir Walter Besant near Waterloo Bridge in London.
