Background
He was born in Cummertrees, Dumfriesshire, the son of Rev Willam Carlyle, the local minister and brought up in Prestonpans, East Lothian.
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- Works
- Photos
- Works
Alexander Carlyle
Very Reverend Alexander Carlyle Doctor of Divinity FRSE was a Scottish church leader, and autobiographer.
Education
Carlyle was educated at the University of Edinburgh (Master of Arts 1743), University of Glasgow and University of Leiden.
Career
He was a witness to the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745 where he was part of the government Edinburgh militia. He missed the battle as he had been sent to lodge in nearby houses. He was associated with Principal Robertson as an ecclesiastical leader.
His striking personal appearance (ruddy complexion) earned him the nickname of Jupiter Carlyle.
His autobiography, which was educated by Hill Burton, and published 1860, though written in his closing years and not extending beyond the year 1770, is interesting as a picture of Scottish life, social and ecclesiastical, in the 18th century. He is buried in Inveresk churchyard.
Alexander married Mary Roddan (d1804) in 1760.
Achievements
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He was a founder member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in November 1783.
Membership
He was also a member of The Select Society and of The Poker Club.
Connections
- Friend:
- Adam Smith
