Roscoe, William, 1753-1831

William Roscoe was born in 1753 in Liverpool. Although he trained to become an attorney and worked in that capacity for 20 years, his true passion was literature and the arts, particularly the study of Italy. In 1781, Roscoe married Jane Griffies, to whom he was happily married for over 40 years. Their family of seven sons and three daughters was a close and loving one, something that is well-reflected in the correspondence collected here. Beginning when in his teens, Roscoe had published and circulated some poetry that was well-received by the critics, but it was the Life of Lorenzo published in 1796 that earned him his reputation as a writer and historian. This was followed by a Life of Leo X in 1805, which was not as well-received. Roscoe retired from his career in the law soon after the publication of the Life of Lorenzo and dedicated his time to writing and the arts, as well as farming, abolition and politics. In 1816, a bank in which he was a partner failed and Roscoe was forced to sell his home of Allerton Hall as well as his sizeable collections of books, paintings and manuscripts. Though Roscoe continued working as a writer and as an advocate for culture in Liverpool, his family moved often because of financial worries. Jane Griffies Roscoe died in 1824 and Roscoe himself died at 78, in 1831.

From the description of Papers, 1774-1887, undated, (bulk 1774-1833). (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 302283221

William Roscoe, of Liverpool, England, was an historian and author of the children's classic, The Butterfly's ball and The grasshopper's feast.

From the description of William Roscoe letter, 1820. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 34072972

English historian and poet.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Pall Mall, to Mr. Shepherd, 1801 Feb. 10. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270657542

From the description of Autograph letter signed : to the Earl of Buchan, 1810 Dec. 26. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270657548

Historian, abolitionist and reformer.

From the description of Papers of William Roscoe, 1792-1831. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71068029

English historian and author.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Liverpool, to Il Conte Luigi Bossi in Milan, 1822 Oct. 1. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270657539

From the description of Autograph manuscript unsigned entitled "Stanzas," undated. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270657552

Epithet: of Egerton MS 2567

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000001391.0x000390

Biography

William Roscoe was born in 1753 in Liverpool. Although he trained to become an attorney and worked in that capacity for 20 years, his true passion was literature and the arts, particularly the study of Italy. In 1781, Roscoe married Jane Griffies, to whom he was happily married for over 40 years. Their family of seven sons and three daughters was a close and loving one, something that is well-reflected in the correspondence collected here.

Beginning when he was around 16, Roscoe had published and circulated some poetry that was well-received by the critics, but it was the Life of Lorenzo published in 1796 that earned him his reputation as a writer and historian. This was followed by a Life of Leo X in 1805, which was not as well-received. Roscoe retired from his career in the law soon after the publication of the Life of Lorenzo and dedicated his time to writing and the arts, as well as farming, abolition and politics. In 1816, a bank in which he was a partner failed and Roscoe was forced to sell his home of Allerton Hall as well as his sizeable collections of books, paintings and manuscripts.

Though Roscoe continued working as a writer and as an advocate for culture in Liverpool, his family moved often because of financial worries. Jane Griffies Roscoe died in 1824 and Roscoe himself died at 78, in 1831.

From the guide to the William Roscoe Collection, 1774-1887, undated, (University of California, Los Angeles. William Andrews Clark Memorial Library)