INFORMATION
Henry Francis Lyte (1 June 1793 – 20 November 1847) was an Anglican divine, hymnodist, and poet.
Henry Francis Lyte was the second son of Thomas and Anna Maria (nee Oliver) Lyte, whose family came originally from Lytes Cary Manor. He was born at Ednam, near Kelso, Scotland. Lyte’s father was described as a “ne-er do-well … more interested in fishing and shooting than in facing up to his family responsibilities”. He deserted the family shortly after making arrangements for his two oldest sons to attend Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, in Ulster; and Anna moved to London, where both she and her youngest son died.
The headmaster at Portora, Dr Robert Burrowes, recognised Henry Lyte’s ability, paid the boy’s fees, and “welcomed him into his own family during the holidays.” Lyte was effectively an adopted son.