Introduction
Thomas Carlyle was a leading figure of the Victorian era who wrote many books and essays about philosophy, history, and politics. His work was highly respected and he influenced many Victorian politicians and social reformers.

Thomas Carlyle was a very religious man who believed in honesty, hard work and social equality -that everyone should have the same chances in life. His writing encouraged others to think as he did, and excited debate amongst politicians. Many social reformers were inspired by Carlyle's work.

His books were at the forefront of historical research and philosophical study. His work is important today because, together with the works of other great thinkers, it laid the foundations of modern political, historical and philosophical thought.

	What the Dickens..? Charles Dickens, author of Oliver Twist, shared Carlyle's belief in social equality. Dickens wrote many popular stories about the plight of Britain's poor. He hoped to persuade the richer classes to improve their conditions. He was one kind of social reformer. Q: What other ways did people try to improve the lives of the poorer classes? link to A Better Life? in The Victorians

A Rural Childhood
Carlyle was born in Ecclefechan on 4 December 1795. His parents were devout Christians, and they were also very eloquent - able to express their opinions well - a gift which the young Thomas inherited.

Carlyle was educated at the local school, then at Annan Academy nearby. His parents expected him to become a minister of the Church, and they sent him to Edinburgh University to train when he was just fourteen.

	Best Foot Forward No bus or train took Thomas to Edinburgh to begin his studies. He travelled the 84 miles from Ecclefechan on foot, a journey of three days.

	'People ought to be modester' Carlyle believed that people should work hard and live honestly, guided by the teachings of the Christian church. He admired the people of his childhood home, Ecclefechan, and later wrote about them in his book Reminiscences.

Pen Pusher
Carlyle gave up his Ministry training and studied law instead. After leaving university, he became a teacher but he really wanted to write. He began by writing articles for the Edinburgh Review and the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. Eventually, he was earning enough to write full-time.

Philosophically Speaking
Carlyle became interested in German philosophers and writers. He studied them in great depth and wrote many essays and books about their work. His research introduced the British and American public to German literature and philosophy.

Up in Smoke!
Carlyle wrote three important books on historical subjects, including The Letters of Oliver Cromwell and The Life of Frederick the Great. He had to rewrite part of The History of the French Revolution when the maid of his philosopher friend, John Stuart Mill, burnt the manuscript -the only copy - by mistake.

	Q: Do you know who Oliver Cromwell and Frederick the Great were? Where could you find out?

'Bright, Heroic, Tender, True'
Carlyle's wife, Jane Baillie Welsh, was a well-educated doctor's daughter from Haddington. She was a pretty, independent and clever woman but she took care never to outshine her famous husband.

The Carlyle's moved to London in 1834. These were Jane's happiest times and she had a circle of celebrity friends. Her letters, published many years after her death, showed her keen sense of humour and her skills as a writer.

When Jane died in 1866, Carlyle wrote,

Strong Man
Carlyle became less tolerant in old age. As society became more open-minded, Carlyle's writing (Latter Day Pamphlets) showed his scorn for the British public. He argued instead for strong leadership, and believed people should trust those in authority.

Life and Times
Carlyle retired from public life after his wife died. He rarely wrote, except letters to The Times newspaper.

Carlyle's childhood home held a special place in his life. His last instructions were to refuse a place in Westminster Abbey and be buried in Ecclefechan. He died in 1881 after a long and distinguished life.

	Q: Carlyle turned down a baronetcy from the Prime Minister, Disraeli. Why do you think he did this?(Think about what his beliefs were).

Carlyle's Birthplace
The Arched House in Ecclefechan where Carlyle was born was built by his father and uncle, both stonemasons, around 1791. The family moved to a larger house when Carlyle was three.

Today, the Birthplace is both a house and a museum. You can see the family cradle in the bedroom where Carlyle was born. The brass jellypan and iron kettle in the kitchen belonged to his mother. Other items come from Carlyle's London home.

All kinds of Carlyle relics and memorabilia are on display, including book manuscripts, photographs, watercolour sketches and copies of his letters. Carlyle's writing box, a gift from a friend, is inscribed with his favourite Latin motto, Libertas Veritas Paupertas (Freedom, Truth and Poverty).

Find out more about Carlyle, his life and work at;

Carlyle's Birthplace (South Region)

A statue of Carlyle, the site of his first school, and his burial place are a short walk away.

Glossary:

Social Reformers
In Victorian Britain, poverty was rife. Thousands lived and worked in appalling conditions. Social reformers were people with influence who tried to improve poor people's lives.

Philosophy
The study of wisdom, knowledge and the meaning of life.