Sir Walter Scott was born in August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Walter Scott and Anne Rutherford. He was the ninth child born, but six older siblings died in infancy. At eighteen months of age, Walter contracted polio, which left him lame for the rest of his life. He was sent to the countryside to recuperate, and his extended family taught him to read and introduced him to poetry.
Walter was the son of a lawyer and was well educated. He started his career by studying law. While working in law, he began translating important German works into English for his publisher friend. He married Charlotte Carpenter in December of 1797. He eventually became a prolific poet and novelist, publishing several novels during the Regency Era.
Walter died on September 21, 1832, in Abbotsford after a year of failing health.
Sources: Walter Scott Digital Archive, Britannica, Historic UK
Artist: Thomas Lawrence c. 1826