Grampian Club > Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland > Volume 1

44 EDINBURGIISHIKE.
August, 1701. In 1813 he was called to the Bar, but he did not
seek practice as an advocate. He published in 1819 his " Life of
the Admirable Crichton," which was followed by the Lives of Sir
Thomas Craig of Eiccarton, and of John Wycliffe. At the advice
of Sir Walter Scott he undertook his "History of Scotland," and in
order to obtain authentic information he proceeded to London,
where he conducted extensive researches in the State Paper Office.
The first volume of the " History " was issued in 1828, and the ninth
and last in 1843. Mr. Tytler published subsequently in Mr.
Murray's Family Library " Lives of Scottish Worthies," three vols.,
12mo. In 1833 he edited and printed as a gift to the Bannatyue
and Maitland Clubs, " Memoirs of the War carried on in Scotland
and Ireland in 1689—1691, by Major-General Hugh Mackay." Mr.
Tytler latterly suffered from broken health. He died at Great
Malvern, on the 24th December, 1849, in his fifty-ninth year.
His character is thus represented on liis tomb : —
" Of his genius and his taste, his historical and biographical
works are a sufficient memorial ; of his pure converse and delight-
ful manners, his serene temper and lovely disposition, recollections
are garnered up where only they can be preserved — in the hearts
of his friends ; of his piety, his faith, his hope, and love, the
record survives in heaven.
" ' Blessed are the pure in heart, for tliey shall see God.' "
A tombstone denotes the burial-place of William Creech, the
eminent publisher. Son of the Eev. William Creech, Minister of
Newbattle, he was born on the 21st April, 1745. By his father
he was intended for the medical profession, but preferring the
concerns of trade, he became apprenticed to Mr. Kincaid, book-
seller in Edinburgh, with whom he subsequently entered into
partnership. His shop was the resort of the literati of the
capital. He conducted business for forty-four years with remark-
able success, and held the office of Lord Provost of the city from
1811 to 1813. The first Edinburgh edition of Burns' poems was
issued from his printing office. He died unmarried on the 14th
Jaiiuary, 1815.