Bennet Langton facts for kids
Bennet Langton (around 1736 – 1801) was an English writer. He was one of the people who helped start a special group called the Literary Club. Bennet Langton is best known for being a close friend of the famous writer Samuel Johnson. You can read a lot about him in James Boswell's book, The Life of Samuel Johnson.
Life
Bennet Langton was born in England. His father was Reverend Bennet Langton. His family, the Langtons, had lived in Lincolnshire for a long time. He was born around 1736 and went to Trinity College, Oxford to study. He finished his studies in 1757.
When he was young, Bennet became interested in a magazine called The Rambler. This helped him meet Samuel Johnson, who wrote for the magazine. They became very good friends. When Samuel Johnson was very sick, Bennet was there to help him. Johnson even left Bennet a book in his will.
Samuel Johnson also left Bennet Langton some money, £750, in his will. This money was meant to help Bennet pay a regular amount to Francis Barber, who had been Johnson's servant.
After Samuel Johnson passed away, Bennet Langton took over his role as a professor. He taught about old literature at the Royal Academy. Bennet also wrote for another magazine called The Idler. He passed away in Southampton on December 18, 1801.
There are paintings of Bennet Langton by famous artists. One painting by Johann Zoffany is called Bennet Langton Contemplating the Nollekens Bust of Johnson. This painting is now in the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum.
Family
Bennet Langton got married in 1776 to Mary Lloyd. She was the widow of John Leslie, 10th Earl of Rothes. They had nine children together. Their first son, George (1772–1819), received his father's estate. Their second son, Peregrine, married into the family that owned the Gunby Hall estate. He then changed his name to Massingberd.
