Born: 15 August 1771 · Died: 21 September 1832 · Age at death: 61
How old was Walter Scott when he died?
Walter Scott died aged 61. He was born on 15 August 1771 and died on 21 September 1832.
Scottish novelist and poet of Waverley, Ivanhoe and Rob Roy who invented the historical novel
Did you know?He published his early novels anonymously, using the pen name "The Author of Waverley" to protect his reputation as a lawyer.
Quick facts
Date of birth15 August 1771
Date of death21 September 1832
Age at death61
Cause of deathStroke
NationalityScottish
BirthplaceEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Occupationpoet, playwright, linguist
Editor's Take:
Walter Scott invented the historical novel as we know it. A lawyer from Edinburgh, he first became famous for long narrative poems such as The Lady of the Lake. In 1814 he published Waverley anonymously, and it was a sensation. Rob Roy and Ivanhoe followed. His novels made Scotland's history and landscapes famous across Europe. He helped rediscover the Scottish crown jewels. When his publisher collapsed, he wrote tirelessly to pay off huge debts.
Key Milestones
1810: The Lady of the Lake – poem
1814: Waverley – first novel
1817: Rob Roy – novel
1819: Ivanhoe – novel
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832), was a Scottish novelist, poet and historian. Many of his works remain classics of European and Scottish literature.
