Benjamin Thorpe facts for kids
Benjamin Thorpe (1782 – 19 July 1870) was an English expert in Anglo-Saxon literature. He spent his life studying and translating ancient texts from England's early history. His work helped many people learn about the language and stories of the Anglo-Saxons.
About Benjamin Thorpe
Benjamin Thorpe was born in 1782. He became a very important scholar. A scholar is someone who studies a lot about a specific subject. Benjamin Thorpe focused on the language and writings of the Anglo-Saxons. These were people who lived in England many centuries ago.
Early Life and Studies
In the early 1820s, Benjamin Thorpe worked as a banker in Paris. Later, he decided to focus on his studies. He went to Copenhagen University in Denmark for four years. There, he learned from a famous Danish language expert named Rasmus Christian Rask. A "philologist" (fih-LOL-oh-jist) is a person who studies languages and their history.
After his studies, Thorpe returned to England in 1830. He quickly became known as a leading expert on Anglo-Saxon history and language.
His Important Work
Benjamin Thorpe dedicated his life to translating old texts. These texts were written in Old English, a very different language from the English we speak today. He helped bring these ancient stories and historical records to a wider audience.
Because his work was so important, the British government gave him a special payment. This was called a civil list pension. It meant he received money each year to support his studies. He received £160 in 1835, and this amount was increased to £200 in 1841. This showed how much his work was valued.
Thorpe was also a member of several important groups. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. He was also part of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Munich and the Society of Netherlandish Literature in Leyden. These memberships showed his respected place among scholars around the world.
Benjamin Thorpe passed away in July 1870 in Chiswick, England. His translations and studies continue to be valuable for anyone interested in early English history and literature.
