Biography

Frederick William Robertson was born in London, England, the son of Frederick and Sarah Robertson. Initially desiring a career in the military, he was eventually persuaded to join the ministry. He studied at Oxford University and was ordained a minister in 1840 in Winchester. His varying health encouraged him to leave Winchester and travel abroad. In 1842, he was chose a curate for the Vicar of Christ's Church in Cheltenham. Robertson stayed here until 1846 when his health declined again and he returned to the Continent to regain his health. When he returned to England, he devoted his time and ministry to social reform. Robertson's sermons were popular for their accessibility to all social classes, attracting the praise of figures like Charles Dickens. He died in Brighton after suffering another bout of poor health. His sermons were not printed and did not gain larger notice until after his death. Frances "Fanny" Seward recounts reading some of his sermons in her 1866 diary.