Author: Eyre, Edward
Biography:
EYRE, Edward (fl 1793)
The preface to his book makes the usual claim of being encouraged to publish by friends and promises a future book in verse and prose should A Friend to Old England meet with approval. A review in the BC was not alone in recommending that the author leave off writing verse, and no other book published by this author has been found. His identity is not known but the title page follows his name with “Esq.” which is usually an indication that the author was educated. One possible candidate is a son of Gillingham Eyre, a prosperous linen merchant with premises on Friday Street, London, and his wife Sarah Dickerson. Edward Eyre was baptised on 4 Feb. 1773 in All Hallows, Bread Street. Although several of his brothers were apprenticed to their father, Edward was articled to John Parker, King’s Bench attorney, for five years from 6 Aug. 1789. Likely he is the Edward Eyre who died in Mar. 1803 and was buried at St. Margaret’s, Westminster, on 19 Mar. However, there is no confirmation that this Edward Eyre was the author of A Friend to Old England. (ancestry.co.uk 20 May 2024; BC [1795]) SR