Edward Betham facts for kids

Edward Betham (born 1709, died 1783) was an English scholar and a church leader. He was born in Silchester, Hampshire, and was baptized there on November 17, 1709. His father, Robert Betham, who was the church leader (rector) of Silchester, passed away when Edward was ten years old.

Who Was Edward Betham?

Edward Betham was a kind and learned man who dedicated his life to education and helping others. He is remembered for his generous gifts to schools and colleges, showing how much he cared about learning and his community.

His Early Life and Education

Edward Betham went to Eton College, a famous school. In 1728, he continued his studies at King's College, Cambridge. He became a fellow of King's College in 1731, which meant he was a senior member of the college, and he also managed the college's money for some time as a bursar.

Later, he became the church leader (rector) of Greenford, a town in Middlesex. He also served as a preacher at Whitehall, a historic area in London. In 1771, the leaders of Eton College chose him to be a fellow there as well.

A Life of Giving and Learning

People at the time admired Edward Betham for both his knowledge and his kindness. Even though he wasn't super rich, he was incredibly generous. He always found ways to help others and couldn't resist offering his support.

In 1780, Betham started and funded a charity school in his own parish of Greenford. He had already built the schoolhouse there. This schoolhouse, now a home called Betham House at 168 Oldfield Lane, still has a Latin message on it that talks about his generosity to the area.

He also gave 2,000 pounds to help improve the botanical garden at Cambridge University. His love for Eton College was very clear in his will. He asked for a marble statue of King Henry VI, the founder of Eton, to be made and placed in the college chapel. This cost 700 pounds.

A famous sculptor named Bacon created the statue. It now stands in the chapel of Eton College and has an inscription that means: "Edward Betham, a fellow of this college, placed this." The statue shows King Henry VI holding a small model of the college in his hand. Betham also gave a bust (a sculpture of the head and shoulders) of Henry VI to the college library, and he made other generous gifts to the college. Edward Betham passed away in 1783 and was buried at Holy Cross Church, where he had been the church leader.

His Lasting Legacy

Edward Betham's kindness and dedication to education continue to live on. The Edward Betham Church of England Primary School, located in Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, Middlesex, carries on his legacy today. A famous former student of this school is the England footballer Bukayo Saka.