Sir Ernest Scott

Born in Northampton, England, Ernest Scott moved from journalism into historical writing after settling in Australia in the 1890s. He worked for The Herald in Melbourne before building a major academic career and later became professor of history at the University of Melbourne.

Scott is best remembered for writing influential histories of Australia, including works on European exploration and the country's development after settlement. His writing was clear and wide-ranging, and for many readers in the early twentieth century it offered a compelling narrative of how Australia came to be.

He was knighted for his contributions to history and public life. Although some of his interpretations reflect the era in which he wrote, his books remain important as part of the foundation of Australian historical scholarship.