Stanley Portal Hyatt

Stanley Portal Hyatt (2 January 1877 – 30 June 1914) was an English explorer, hunter, and writer. In 1896, Hyatt left his comfortable family home and struck out around the world, arriving in Africa to seek his fortune in 1898. In his written works, Hyatt describes his life and experiences in Australia, Rhodesia and the Philippines. The Old Transport Road and The Diary of a Soldier of Fortune are his best-known works.

Early life and family

Stanley Portal Hyatt was born on 2 January 1877, at The Hawthorns, Mt. Ephraim Road, Streatham, Surrey, England. His parents, Charles James Hyatt and Amy Portal, were both from wealthy Victorian families, their parents having prospered from preaching and trading. He was educated at Dulwich College, but left school early in 1892 after studying engineering. He then spent two years in the workshops of a large engineering firm pioneering electric lighting, before embarking on a career as an explorer.

Hyatt married Margaret Annie Marston on 20 July 1908, in London. After her death in 1912 he married Charlotte Caroline Key on 4 May 1914, in Newton Abbot, Devon.

Travel to Australia and Africa

Before his 18th birthday, Hyatt arrived in New South Wales after a journey of 100 days on a windjammer. He spent a fortnight in Sydney, then took a berth in a large sheep station around 400 miles up-country. He subsequently returned to Sydney, taking up beachcombing to support himself. After a short time working as an engineer, he returned to spend 18 months at home in London, attempting to raise funds for further overseas expeditions by developing new products, none of which were successfully brought to market.