James Prior was born in Lisburn, County Antrim. He became a naval surgeon and was present at Napoleon's surrender in 1815. He was a member of the Royal Irish Academy and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and in 1843 became Deputy Inspector of Hospitals. He was knighted in 1858. He wrote many biographies, including those of Burke and Goldsmith, and several volumes recording his travels such as Voyage to the Indian Seas. He died in Brighton.

Born:	c.1790
Died:	14 November 1869