Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Gisborne, John

1191625Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 21 — Gisborne, John1890Rose Marian Bradley ‎

GISBORNE, JOHN (1770–1851), poet, son of John Gisborne, and younger brother of Thomas Gisborne (1758–1846) [q. v.], was born at St. Helen's, Derby, 26 Aug. 1770. He was educated at Harrow and St. John's, Cambridge (1788), where he graduated B.A. in 1792. In the same year he married Millicent Pole, daughter of Colonel Chandos-Pole of Radbourne, and went to live at Wootton Hall, Derbyshire. In 1815 he moved to Blackpool on account of his wife's health, and afterwards shifted his residence constantly, partly on account of pecuniary losses. Gisborne had a keen eye for nature, and was complimented by Wordsworth upon his descriptions of scenery, but his modesty induced him to destroy this and all other letters of congratulation on the publication of his works. His piety caused him to be called the ‘Man of Prayer.’ At Blackpool and elsewhere he exerted himself actively for the welfare of the inhabitants, and did much for the prosperity of Blackpool. His geniality, humility, and sympathy made him universally popular as a country gentleman. He died at Pentrich in Derbyshire on 17 June 1851, leaving a widow and several grown-up sons and daughters. His principal works are: 1. 'The Vales of Wever,' written during his residence at Wootton Hall and published in London, 1797. 2. 'Reflections,' a poem written and published during his residence at Darley Dale between 1818 and 1835. He also kept a diary showing strong religious sentiments, from which extracts have been published.

[A Brief Memoir of the Life of John Gisborne, with Extracts from his Diary, 1852.]

R. M. B.