Sir Randal H. (Randal Howland) Roberts

Born in County Cork in 1837, he was the only child of Sir Thomas Howland Roberts and later inherited the title of 4th baronet in 1864. Sources describe him as both a writer and a soldier, and note that he was educated at Merchant Taylors' School before entering the army.

Roberts wrote across several genres rather than sticking to one lane. His known work includes travel writing such as Asia Minor and the Caucasus, military history including Modern War, and a run of fiction with sporting and social themes, among them Curb and Snaffle, Ridge and Furrow, Not in the Betting, High-Flyer Hall, and A Hasty Marriage. He also published under the pseudonyms "Light Cast" and "The Forester."

He died in 1899. Although he is not among the best-known Victorian novelists today, his mix of military experience, aristocratic background, and enthusiasm for sporting life gives his books a distinctive period charm.