William Beckford
William Thomas Beckford was an English novelist, art collector, and politician born in 1760.
He is best known for his Gothic novel Vathek, written in French when he was 21 and later translated into English.
Beckford was a wealthy and eccentric figure, reputed to be the richest commoner in England at one point.
He served as a Member of Parliament and built the extravagant Fonthill Abbey.
His life was marked by scandal, including allegations of improper relationships with young men.
Beckford's legacy includes his influential novel, his extensive art collection, and his architectural projects, particularly Fonthill Abbey and Lansdown Tower in Bath.
