Brampton Gurdon (lecturer) facts for kids

Brampton Gurdon (born around 1672 in Letton, Norfolk and died on November 20, 1741) was an English clergyman and a smart academic. He was known for giving the important Boyle Lectures in 1721, which were talks about defending the Christian faith.

The Life of Brampton Gurdon

Brampton Gurdon was the younger son of a man also named Brampton Gurdon, from Letton, Norfolk. His family was well-known. His older brother, Thornhagh Gurdon, was a famous antiquarian, which means he studied old things like ancient objects and historical records.

When Brampton Gurdon was just 15 years old, he started studying at Caius College, Cambridge in 1687. He worked hard and earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1691. A few years later, in 1695, he earned his master's degree (M.A.). By 1696, he was chosen to be a fellow of his college, which is like being a senior member or teacher.

Gurdon became a favorite of Lord Chancellor Macclesfield, a very important judge. Lord Macclesfield made Gurdon his chaplain, a kind of personal priest. He also gave him a church job as the rector of Stapleford Abbotts, Essex, starting in 1719. He held this job until 1724.

He continued to get more important church positions. In 1727, he became the archdeacon of Sudbury. An archdeacon is a senior clergyman who helps a bishop manage a part of the church's area. Later, in 1730, he became the rector of Denham, Buckinghamshire. Around 1732, he also became the rector of St. Edmund the King in Lombard Street, London. He kept these important jobs until he passed away.

Brampton Gurdon never married. He died in the area of St. Giles-in-the-Fields on November 20, 1741.

Writings by Brampton Gurdon

Brampton Gurdon wrote several books and sermons during his life. A sermon is a talk given during a religious service. His writings often discussed religious ideas and defended Christian beliefs.

Some of his notable works include:

• The Distinction of Christians into Clergy and Laity justified: in a sermon . . . at the consecration of ... John [Leng] . . . bishop of Norwich (1723). This was a sermon he gave when a new bishop was being officially appointed.
• Christian Religion supported by the Prophecies of the Old Testament: or, a Defence of the Argument drawn from Prophecy (1728). In this book, he argued that the Christian religion was supported by old predictions found in the Bible.
• A Letter to a Lady: where-in the canonical authority of St. Matthew's Gospel is defended (1732). This book defended the idea that the Gospel of St. Matthew was a true and important part of the Bible.
• An Answer to the Defence of the Dissertation or Enquiry concerning the Gospel according to St. Matthew ... By the Author of the Letter to a Lady (1733). This was a follow-up book, where he responded to arguments against his previous work about St. Matthew's Gospel.