About William Erskine
Lived 1773 – 1852 (aged 78). William Erskine was a British and Scottish orientalist and historian.
William Erskine (8 November 1773 – 28 May 1852) was a Scottish orientalist and historian.
Life
He was born at Argyle Square in Edinburgh the son of David Erskine, a lawyer and Clerk to the Signet, and his wife Jean Melvin. He attended the High School, then the University of Edinburgh, before being apprenticed to James Dundas, a writer to the signet.
He went to Bombay (now Mumbai) at the invitation of Sir James Mackintosh in 1804 where he was master in equity in the recorder's court. and looked after Florence Nightingale while she recovered from illness.
Four of his sons entered the Indian Civil Service, including Claudius James [Claude] Erskine (1821–1893) and Henry Napier Bruce Erskine (1831–1893). He is buried with his family on the lower south terrace of the churchyard of St John's, Edinburgh.
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Important facts
People in William Erskine's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Erskine?
Scottish orientalist and historian (1773-1852)
When was William Erskine born?
William Erskine was born on 8 November 1773.
When did William Erskine die?
William Erskine died on 28 May 1852.
What was William Erskine's occupation?
William Erskine was an orientalist and historian.
What nationality was William Erskine?
William Erskine was British and Scottish.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: William Erskine (historian)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Erskine. https://biography.guide/william-erskine/
MLA: "William Erskine." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-erskine/.
Chicago: "William Erskine." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-erskine/.
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