William Robertson (historian)
William Robertson | |
|---|---|
Portrait painting of William Robertson, by Joshua Reynolds | |
| Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh | |
| In office 1 February 1762 – 11 June 1793 | |
| Preceded by | John Gowdie |
| Succeeded by | George Baird |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 September 1721 Borthwick, Midlothian, Scotland |
| Died | 11 June 1793 (aged 71) Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
| Known for | Principal of the University of Edinburgh Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Historiographer Royal |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | History |
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William Robertson (19 September 1721 – 11 June 1793) was a Scottish historian, cleric, and educator who served as Principal of the University of Edinburgh, Chaplain of Stirling Castle, and one of the King's Chaplains in Scotland.
Robertson made significant contributions to the writing of Scottish history and the history of Spain and Spanish America, and his historiographical approach had considerable contemporary influence (particularly his emphasis on the consistency of human nature across different eras and societies). He was a notable figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, as well as a prominent representative of the Church of Scotland's moderate party.