Richardson, William (1743-1814: Professor of Humanity, 1773-1814, University of Glasgow, Scotland)

William Richardson was born at the Manse in Aberfoyle, Stirling, Scotland, on 1 October 1743, the first son of the Rev. James Richardson. He received his MA from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1763, and attended a few sessions in Divinity before abandoning the idea of entering the Church. For four years he was tutor to the sons of Lord Cathcart and then secretary to His Lordship while Ambassador at St Petersburg. He became Professor of Humanity at the University of Glasgow in 1773, a post he held until 1814 . His published writings include the following: Poems; Analyses of Shakespeare's characters; a tragedy; a lyrical drama; Anecdotes of the Russian Empire; contributions to The Lounger, The Mirror, and The Edinburgh Magazine and Review; and an essay on Celtic Superstition. He died unmarried on 3 November 1814 .

The papers are those of his Trustees collected to administer his estate after his death.

Source: Dictionary of National Biography and University records

From the guide to the Papers of the Trustees of the estate of William Richardson, 1743-1814, Professor of Humanity, University of Glasgow, Scotland 1773-1814, 1613-1825, (Glasgow University Archive Services)

William Richardson was born at the Manse in Aberfoyle, Stirling, Scotland, on 1 October 1743 , the first son of the Rev. James Richardson. He received his MA from the University of Glasgow , Scotland, in 1763 , and attended a few sessions in Divinity before abandoning the idea of entering the Church. For four years he was tutor to the sons of Lord Cathcart and then secretary to His Lordship while Ambassador at St Petersburg. He became Professor of Humanity at the University of Glasgow in 1773 , a post he held until 1814 . His published writings include the following: Poems; Analyses of Shakespeare's characters; a tragedy; a lyrical drama; Anecdotes of the Russian Empire; contributions to The Lounger, The Mirror, and The Edinburgh Magazine and Review; and an essay on Celtic Superstition. He died unmarried on 3 November 1814 .

The papers are those of his Trustees collected to administer his estate after his death.

Source: Dictionary of National Biography and University records

From the guide to the Papers of the Trustees of the estate of William Richardson, 1743-1814, Professor of Humanity, University of Glasgow, Scotland 1773-1814, 1613-1825, (Glasgow University Archive Services)