Sir Walter Scott died at his home in Abbotsford, in the Scottish Borders, on 21 September 1832. He was 61.

Scott had become one of the most successful British writers of his time through his poetry and historical novels. Financial problems dominated his final years. In 1826, the failure of publishing and printing businesses with which he was connected left him responsible for substantial debts.

Rather than declare bankruptcy, Scott directed his earnings towards repaying his creditors. He continued to produce books at a heavy rate. At the same time, his health was deteriorating.

Scott suffered a series of strokes. In 1831 he left Britain for Malta and Italy in the hope that a warmer climate might improve his condition. The journey did not restore his health, and he suffered another stroke while returning home.

He eventually reached Abbotsford, the house he had built beside the River Tweed. He died there on 21 September.

Scott was buried at Dryburgh Abbey, where his wife Charlotte had been buried six years earlier. His debts remained unresolved when he died, although income from his works continued to be used towards them after his death.