b. 7 June 1825. d. 20 January 1900. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Novelist, poet, and fruit farmer. Pseudonym: “Melanter.” Alternative signature: “R.
D. Blackmore.” Born in Longworth, Berkshire. Educated at Exeter College, Oxford, and
the Middle Temple. Married Lucy Maguire (or McGuire) on 8 November 1853. Employed
as a teacher at Wellesley House grammar school, Twickenham, before becoming a fruit
farmer in 1857. Author of novel *Lorna Doone* (1870). Biographical information: *ODNB*.
(SCM, CC)