Home John

Home, John (1722-1808), Scottish dramatist, was born at Leith and educated at Edinburgh University. In 1745, although already a probationer of the Kirk, he joined the royal army as a volunteer, and after the Jacobite victory at Falkirk was imprisoned in Doune Castle, from which he effected his escape. In 1747 he was appointed minister of Athelstaneford in East Lothian. His tragedy of Douglas was acted at Edinburgh amidst much enthusiasm in 1756, and, on its production at Covent Garden in the following year, won the approbation of Gray, Sheridan, and Hume. Home now resigned his living and came to London, where he continued to write for the stage. He was appointed private secretary to the Earl of Bute, and in 1760 received a royal pension of £300. In 1779 he settled in Edinburgh. His History of the Rebellion, of 174S was published in 1802.