John Home


1722 - 1808

Soldier, playwright and churchman. Born in Leith, he was educated at the University of Edinburgh (1742). Home enlisted in the government army at the time of the Jacobite rebellion (1745) and was captured at the Battle of Falkirk (1746), but made a daring escape from Doune Castle. He was Minister at Athelstaneford (1747-57), resigning following the success of his play Douglas, which caused offence to the Church authorities. He became private secretary to the Earl of Bute, and private tutor to the Prince of Wales (who became King George III), the social standing of these positions ensured the success of his plays on the London stage. With a generous pension from the King, he settled in Edinburgh (1779), where he died.


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