Walter besant autobiography

Introduction

Sir Walter Besant () was one of the most prolific and widely-read novelists, popular historians and social critics of the late Victorian era. He was also a philanthropist, antiquary, secretary of the Palestine Exploration Fund, originator of the People's Palace in East London, and a vigorous campaigner for authors’ rights.

Life

Besant was born in Portsea, an area of Portsmouth, located on Portsea Island, as the third son in a family of six sons and four daughters of a prosperous wine merchant and an avid book collector, William Besant, and his wife, Sarah Ediss, the daughter of an architect.

Walter besant autobiography

Walter was first educated at home and in he attended as a boarder St. John's Grammar School in Southsea and Stockwell Grammar School in south London. Next, from , he was educated at King’s College, London, and Christ’s College, Cambridge (image), with a view to taking holy orders.

In , he graduated as 18th wrangler (i.e. a candidate who obtained first-class honours). His elder