ABSTRACT
Portugal was a new experience and a new chapter in Southey's life. There were many things to be gained from this residence and travel. For one thing he came under the guidance of his uncle, a tactful and understanding man, of considerable educational attainments, learned in the history and literature of his adopted country of Portugal, a collector of books and manuscripts, and the mainstay of the Southey family. He moved, as far as we can tell, in somewhat higher circles than Southey. As the British chaplain in Lisbon he knew the British diplomats and some from other countries. Mr Hill was a stable personality, somewhat versed in the manners and ways of the world, and a scholar, who could direct Southey's readings in Portuguese history. Although Mr Hill had made important decisions about Southey's education at school and college, the two were virtual strangers to each other having met only at long intervals during Mr Hill's infrequent visits to England. Mr Hill was to fulfil the role of an older man to whom Southey could look for guidance and with respect and affection. During his boyhood and schooling at Westminster and Oxford he had never met anyone who filled that influential role.
