When was Walter Scott born and where did he live as a child?
Walter Scott was born on the 15th of August 1771 in a third-floor apartment on College Wynd in Edinburgh. He lived at Sandyknowe farm near Smailholm Tower during his childhood years.
Questions about Walter Scott
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What major health event affected Walter Scott's life after 1773?
A bout of polio left Walter Scott lame for the rest of his days starting in 1773. This physical limitation forced him to ride horses rather than walk long distances throughout his life.
How many copies did The Lady of the Lake sell within twelve months of publication?
The Lady of the Lake sold 20,000 copies in just twelve months after its release in 1810. Publishers Archibald Constable paid Walter Scott a thousand guineas for the copyright before the poem was even finished.
Why did Walter Scott refuse bankruptcy proceedings when his debts totaled £130,000?
Walter Scott refused bankruptcy proceedings despite pressure from creditors including King George IV himself. He placed his house and income into a trust for his creditors instead of declaring personal insolvency.
When did Walter Scott die and what were the circumstances surrounding his death?
Walter Scott died at Abbotsford on the 21st of September 1832 aged sixty-one. He suffered a stroke near Emmerich on the Rhine before returning home following a failed voyage to Malta and Naples aboard HMS Barham.