Background
Born on 7 March 1767, in Southampton Buildings, Holborn, London, he was the eldest son of Charles Lyell of Kinnordy, Forfarshire, and Mary Beale of West Looe. His sister Anne married Gilbert Heathcote.
Born on 7 March 1767, in Southampton Buildings, Holborn, London, he was the eldest son of Charles Lyell of Kinnordy, Forfarshire, and Mary Beale of West Looe. His sister Anne married Gilbert Heathcote.
He was educated at Street Paul"s School, London, the University of Saint Andrews and Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1791, proceeding Master of Arts
In 1794. A law student at Lincoln"s Inn, Lyell also travelled. In 1796 he inherited the Kinnordy estate at Kirriemuir. From 1797 to 1825 Lyell lived at Bartley Lodge in the New Forest.
In 1813 he became a fellow of the Linnean Society.
In 1826 he settled at Kinnordy, and he died there on 8 November 1849, leaving a library of works relating to his studies. A son Henry went into the army, and another, Thomas, into the navy.