Anthony Freston facts for kids
Anthony Freston, born Brettingham (1757–1819), was an English clergyman and writer. He was known for his religious writings and poems.
His Early Life and Education
Anthony Freston was born in 1757. His family name at birth was Brettingham. His father was Robert Brettingham, who lived in Norwich. Anthony's uncle was Matthew Brettingham, a well-known architect. Matthew Brettingham designed important buildings like Holkham Hall in Norfolk. This grand house was the home of the Earl of Leicester.
When Anthony was a child, his name changed to Freston. This happened because of the will of his mother's uncle, William Freston. William Freston passed away in 1761. He left his estates, which were large areas of land, in Norfolk and Suffolk to Anthony. Because of this, Anthony took the Freston name.
Anthony went to Oxford University. He started at Christ Church college in 1775. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1780. Later, he married a woman from Cambridge. She was the widow of Thomas Hyde. In 1783, Anthony moved to Clare Hall at Cambridge University. There, he received his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in the same year.
His Work as a Clergyman
In 1792, Anthony Freston became a priest. He was given the job of looking after the church in Needham, Norfolk. This church was special because he had the right to choose who would be its priest. In 1801, a friend from college helped him get another job. He became the rector of the church in Edgworth, Gloucestershire.
George Huntingford, who was the Bishop of Gloucester, gave him an important role. He made Freston a rural dean for the area of Stonehouse. A rural dean is a church leader who helps oversee the churches in a specific local area. Anthony Freston passed away on December 25, 1819.
His Writings
Anthony Freston wrote several books and poems during his lifetime. His works often focused on religious topics and important ideas.
- Provisions for the more equal Maintenance of the Clergy, 1784 (published anonymously)
- An Elegy, 1787
- Poems on Several Subjects, 1787
- A Discourse on Laws, intended to show that legal Institutions are necessary, not only to the Happiness, but to the very Existence of Man, London, 1792
- Address to the People of England, 1796 (published anonymously)
- A Collection of Evidences for the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, London, 1807
- Six Sermons on some of the more important Doctrines of Christianity; to which are added five Sermons on Occasional Subjects, Cirencester, 1809
