Maximilien Robespierre was born at Arras, of a poor family, honest and respectable; his father, who died in Germany, was of English origin.

This may explain the shade of Puritanism in his character.

The bishop of Arras had defrayed the cost of his education.

Young Maximilien had distinguished himself on leaving college by a studious life, and austere manners.

Literature and the bar shared his time.