Laurence Sterne
![](/Images/godic/202502/13/Laurence_Sterne_by_Sir_Joshua_Reynolds4510.jpg")
![Laurence Sterne by Joseph Nollekens, 1766, National Portrait Gallery, London](/Images/godic/202502/13/Laurence_Sterne_by_Joseph_Nollekens,_1766,_National_Portrait_Gallery,_London4510.JPG")
![Shandy Hall, Sterne's home in Coxwold, North Yorkshire](/Images/godic/202502/13/The_south_entrance_to_Shandy_Hall_showing_the_gates4510.jpg")
![Sterne painted in watercolour by French artist Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, ca. 1762](/Images/godic/202502/13/Laurence_Sterne_by_Louis_Carrogis_Carmontelle4510.jpg")
Laurence Sterne (24 November 1713 – 18 March 1768) was an Irish novelist and an Anglican clergyman. He is best known for his novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy; but he also published many sermons, wrote memoirs, and was involved in local politics. Sterne died in London after years of fighting consumption.