Scottish playwright John Home died - On this day in history

John Home, Scottish playwright, historian and kirk minister, died on 5 September 1808. Edinburgh-based Home was a soldier-turned-author who, after fighting against the forces of Prince Charles Edward Stuart was captured at the Battle of Falkirk in 1746. On his release, he turned his attentions to religion and became minister at Athelstaneford in East Lothian, but was forced to leave the church after the kirk authorities disapproved of his growing success as a playwright.

Among his most famous works is Douglas, a verse tragedy which enjoyed such a successful run in Home's native Edinburgh that it was transferred south to Covent Garden. He is also the author of History of the Rebellion of 1745, published in 1802.

Home died in 1808 and is buried in South Leith Parish Church.

(Image copyright Kim Traynor)