William Marsden (orientalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Marsden
FRS FSA
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Marsden in 1815
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| First Secretary to the Admiralty | |
| In office 24 January 1804 – 24 June 1807 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Evan Nepean |
| Succeeded by | William Wellesley-Pole |
| Second Secretary to the Admiralty | |
| In office 3 March 1795 – 21 January 1804 |
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| Preceded by | John Ibbetson |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Tucker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 November 1754 County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Died | 6 October 1836 (aged 81) Aldenham, England |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Wray
(m. 1807) |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Orientalist, numismatist, linguist |
| Employer | East India Company |
William Marsden (born November 16, 1754 – died October 6, 1836) was an important Irish scholar. He studied Eastern cultures, collected old coins, and was skilled in many languages. He worked for the British government as a top official during the Napoleonic Wars, a time of big conflicts with France.
Contents
Early Life and Studies
William Marsden was born in Verval, County Wicklow, Ireland. His father was a merchant in Dublin. William went to Trinity College, Dublin for his education.
When he was just 16, William got a job with the British East India Company. This company was very powerful and traded with countries in Asia. In 1771, he was sent to Benkulen, a place in Sumatra (now part of Indonesia).
While in Sumatra, William became the main secretary for the government there. He learned a lot about the Malay language and the local culture. This experience helped him become an expert on Eastern topics.
After eight years, in 1779, William returned to England. In 1780, Oxford University gave him a special degree called Doctor of Civil Law. He then wrote a book called History of Sumatra, which was published in 1783. This book shared his knowledge about the island.
William Marsden was also chosen to be a member of the Royal Society in 1783. This is a very old and respected group for scientists and scholars.
Working for the Admiralty
In 1795, William Marsden started working for the Admiralty, which was in charge of the British Navy. He began as the Second Secretary. Later, he became the First Secretary, earning a good salary.
One of his most important moments was in 1805. He was the one who received the news of the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. This was a huge naval battle where Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the French and Spanish fleets, but sadly, Nelson also died.
As First Secretary, Marsden came up with an idea to organize information about the oceans. This system is now known as Marsden squares. It helps people group and arrange data about different parts of the sea.
William Marsden retired in 1807. He received a pension, which was a regular payment for the rest of his life. He later gave up this pension in 1831.
Later Achievements and Legacy
Even after retiring, William Marsden continued his scholarly work. In 1812, he published a Grammar and Dictionary of the Malay Language. This book was very important for people studying the language.
He also translated the famous book Travels of Marco Polo in 1818. This book tells the story of Marco Polo's journeys to Asia many centuries ago.
William Marsden was a member of many important groups that studied different subjects. He was also a treasurer and vice-president of the Royal Society. In 1820, he became a member of the American Philosophical Society in the United States.
In 1834, he gave his large collection of Asian coins to the British Museum. He also donated his many books and Eastern writings to King's College London.
Marsden's book, Numismata orientalia, was a groundbreaking work on Asian coins. It was so important that it became like a "bible" for people studying this topic.
William Marsden married Elizabeth Wray, but they did not have any children. He passed away on October 6, 1836, and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.
In Fiction
William Marsden appears as a character in the book Hornblower and the Crisis by C. S. Forester.
Selected Works
- 1784 – The history of Sumatra
- 1812 – Grammar and Dictionary of the Malay Language
- 1823 – Numismata orientalia
