Anthony Hamilton (Archdeacon of Colchester) facts for kids
Anthony Hamilton (1739–1812) was an important English priest. He held a high position in the church called the Archdeacon of Colchester starting in 1775. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage a part of the diocese.
Early Life and Education
Anthony Hamilton was born in 1739. His father, Alexander Hamilton, was the son of a Scottish historian named William Hamilton. The family owned land in Essex, including the Holyfield manor near Waltham Abbey. They also owned the Debden Hall estate.
Anthony went to Harrow School, a well-known school in England. After that, he studied at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in 1755. He earned his first degree in 1760 and continued his studies, getting a higher degree in 1763. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1775.
Church Career
Anthony Hamilton became a deacon in the church in 1762 and a priest in 1763. His first church role was as a vicar in Fulham. A vicar is a priest who is in charge of a church parish.
In 1766, he became the vicar of Orsett in Essex. He then became the Archdeacon of London in 1770. This was a very important role. He held this position until 1775, when he became the Archdeacon of Colchester.
Other Achievements
Besides his church work, Anthony Hamilton was also interested in history and science. In 1773, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This society studies old things and history.
Then, in 1777, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. Being a Fellow means you are recognized for your important contributions to knowledge.
Later Life
In 1776, Hamilton became the rector of Much Hadham in Hertfordshire. A rector is another type of priest who leads a parish. He also became the vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, a famous church in London.
In the 1790s, he lived in London. Anthony Hamilton passed away in 1812 and was buried in Loughton. There are memorials for him in the churches of Much Hadham and Little Hadham.
Family Life
Anthony Hamilton married Anne Terrick. Her father was Richard Terrick. Anthony and Anne had two sons who also became notable. Their first son was William Richard Hamilton. Their second son, also named Anthony Hamilton, became the Archdeacon of Taunton. This younger Anthony Hamilton was the father of Bishop Walter Kerr Hamilton.
