author
Sir Seymour John Fortescue
1856–1942
A Royal Navy officer turned trusted courtier, he spent decades close to the British monarchy and later served as Serjeant-at-Arms in the House of Lords. His memoir Looking Back draws on that unusual career to offer first-hand glimpses of naval service, court life, and the world around Edward VII.
1 Audiobook
Looking Back
by Sir Seymour John Fortescue
About the author
Born on 10 February 1856, Seymour John Fortescue built a career that moved between the Royal Navy and the royal household. He became known as an equerry to the future Edward VII and later served the sovereign in the same role for many years, giving him a rare insider's view of public ceremony and private court routine.
He also saw active service as a naval officer, including work connected with South Africa during the Boer War, and was later appointed Serjeant-at-Arms in the House of Lords. Over time he received major honors including CMG and GCVO, reflecting how closely his life was tied to both military and royal service.
Fortescue is remembered today largely for Looking Back, a memoir published in 1920. The book is valued for its lively recollections of service, society, and monarchy in late Victorian and Edwardian Britain, shaped by someone who stood unusually near the center of events.