Sir Randal H. (Randal Howland) Roberts

Born in County Cork in 1837, Sir Randal Howland Roberts inherited the Roberts baronetcy after his father's death and was educated at Merchant Taylors' School in Cork before entering the army. He served in the Crimean War and the Indian Rebellion, then later returned briefly to military life with the London Irish Royal Volunteer Corps.

After leaving regular army service, Roberts turned to writing and journalism. He published The River's Side in 1866, wrote on military affairs, and reported for the Daily Telegraph during the Franco-Prussian War, experiences that fed into his book Modern War. He also tried painting and even stepped onto the stage in a play of his own.

Roberts is best remembered as a lively Victorian sporting writer. His later books included novels such as In the Shires, Curb and Snaffle, Hard Held, and Handicapped, along with stories shaped by his interest in fishing and country life. He died in 1899.