Charles Morton (librarian) facts for kids

Charles Morton (1716–1799) was an English medical doctor and a very important librarian. He became the main librarian, called the Principal Librarian, at the famous British Museum.

Early Life and Medical Career

Charles Morton began his studies at Leiden University in 1736. After his studies, he moved to Kendal in Westmorland and started working as a doctor. He later practiced medicine in London for several years.

In 1750, he was chosen to be a doctor at the Middlesex Hospital. The next year, in 1751, he was allowed to practice medicine by the Royal College of Physicians.

A Librarian at the British Museum

Morton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1752. This is a group for important scientists. He also served as the secretary for the Royal Society from 1760 to 1774. He was also a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In 1754, he became a doctor at the Foundling Hospital, which cared for abandoned children.

By 1756, Charles Morton started working at the British Museum as an assistant librarian. He was in charge of many old and important handwritten documents. These included collections like the Cotton, Harley, Sloane, and Royal manuscripts.

When the main librarian, Matthew Maty, passed away in 1776, Morton was chosen to take his place. He remained the Principal Librarian until he died in 1799. He was also a member of the American Philosophical Society, joining in 1771.

Family Life

Charles Morton was married a few times. His first marriage was to Mary Berkeley in 1744. They had a daughter named Elizabeth Morton, born in 1745. Mary Berkeley passed away in 1755.

His second known marriage was to Lady Savile (born Mary Pratt) in 1767. This wedding took place near the British Museum where he worked. Lady Savile was older and had children from her previous marriages. She died in 1791.

A short time after Lady Savile's death, Charles Morton married Elizabeth Pratt in 1791. She was a relative of his second wife and had lived in their home for some time.

Charles Morton also had a son named Charles Carr Morton, who was born around 1761–1763. Charles Carr Morton later married Charlotte Tatlow in Ireland in 1799 and had 14 children.

Charles Morton died on February 10, 1799, at the age of 82.