Benjamin Bates II facts for kids

Benjamin Edward Bates II (born March 13, 1716 – died May 12, 1790) was an important British doctor, a great lover of art, and a well-known person in society. He was born into a wealthy family. He became a member of a famous social group called The Monks of Medmenham, also known as the Hellfire Club. This club was led by Sir Francis Dashwood. Benjamin Bates II was the great-great grandfather of Benjamin Bates IV, who founded Bates College in the United States.

Life as a Doctor and Art Lover

Benjamin Bates II was born around 1716. He studied medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland. Later, he lived for some time in Derby, England.

Around 1758, he bought a house in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. There, he started his own medical practice as a general doctor. He was married twice and had one daughter named Lydia. It is thought that he might have been Sir Francis Dashwood's personal doctor. He even planned to travel to Europe with Dashwood as his physician. Before 1774, Bates moved to Little Missenden, but he continued to work at his practice in Aylesbury.

Joining a Social Club

Benjamin Bates II was a member of the Hellfire Club at Medmenham. This was a private social club for important gentlemen. Records of the club are not complete, but Benjamin Bates II was considered one of the main members. Other famous members included Sir Francis Dashwood and the Earl of Sandwich. Even after the club became less active, Bates continued to support it. He enjoyed a comfortable life, even buying large amounts of silk to decorate his home.

Supporting the Arts

Bates was a big supporter of artists. He bought important paintings from artists like Joseph Wright of Derby. These included famous works such as Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight and An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. He also bought art from his close friend, John Hamilton Mortimer, like the painting St Paul Preaching to the Ancient Britons.

In 1781, Bates stopped working as a doctor. He planned to travel around Europe with Sir Francis Dashwood. However, Dashwood passed away before the trip could begin. Even so, Bates still wanted to see Europe, especially Rome. In 1787, he traveled to Italy with his daughter. He passed away in 1790.

See also

• Hell Fire Club
• Bates family