Francis Fawkes facts for kids

Francis Fawkes (1720–1777) was an English poet and translator. He was known for translating ancient Greek and Roman writings into English. He also updated older poems by Gavin Douglas. Fawkes wrote a popular song called The Brown Jug. He also created two poems, Bramham Park and Partridge Shooting. His translation of the Argonautica, a long poem about heroes, was published in 1780.

Francis Fawkes's Life Story

Fawkes was born near Doncaster, England. His father, Jeremiah Fawkes, was a church leader in Warmsworth for 28 years. Francis was baptized on April 4, 1720.

Early Education and College Years

He went to Bury Grammar School, where his teacher was Reverend John Lister. In 1738, he started studying at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was a "sizar," which meant he received financial help for his studies. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1742 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1745.

Career as a Church Leader

After college, Fawkes became a priest in the Church of England. He worked as a curate in Bramham, Yorkshire. Later, he moved to Croydon. There, he met Archbishop Thomas Herring, who helped him become the vicar of Orpington, Kent.

He stayed in Orpington until 1774. Then, he was appointed to lead the church in Hayes and also served as a curate in Downe. He also became a chaplain to the Princess Dowager of Wales, a special role serving the mother of the future king.

Later Life and Passing

Francis Fawkes passed away on August 26, 1777. He had married Miss Purrier from Leeds around 1760. After his death, his wife was left with limited money. His collection of books was sold in 1778.

Francis Fawkes's Literary Works

Fawkes was a talented writer and translator. Many people at the time thought he was one of the best translators since Alexander Pope. Even the famous writer Samuel Johnson admired Fawkes's translation of the works of Anacreon.

Early Writings and Poems

Fawkes worked for George Fox-Lane. His first known poem, written in 1745, described the beauty of Fox-Lane's home, Bramham Park. In 1761, he published a poem called 'Aurelius' in his book Original Poems and Translations. This poem was a tribute to Archbishop Herring.

Key Translations and Collections

Here are some of Francis Fawkes's important works:

• A Description of May from Gawin Douglas (1752): This was his updated version of an old poem.
• A Description of Winter from Gawin Douglas (1754): Another modernized poem, dedicated to his old teacher, John Lister.
• Works of Anacreon, Sappho, Bion, Moschus, and Musæus translated into English (1760): This book contained his translations of ancient Greek poets. He had started translating some of these poems during his college days.
• Original Poems and Translations (1761): This collection included many of his own humorous poems and translations from other writers.
• The Complete Family Bible, with Notes Theological, Moral, Critical (1761): Fawkes lent his name to this Bible project for money.
• The Poetical Calendar (1763): This was a collection of poems he helped select with William Woty. It was meant to add to Robert Dodsley's famous poetry collection.
• Poetical Magazine, or the Muses' Monthly Companion (1764): A short-lived magazine that Fawkes worked on with William Woty.
• Partridge-Shooting (1764): A poem suggested by Charles Yorke.
• The Works of Horace in English Verse (1767): Fawkes contributed some translations and imitations to this four-volume set.
• The Idylliums of Theocritus, translated by Francis Fawkes (1767): For this translation, he received help from friends like Zachary Pearce and Samuel Johnson.
• Apollonius Rhodius translated into English (1780): This translation was published after he died. Henry Meen revised it for Fawkes's widow.

The Famous Song: The Brown Jug

Fawkes's song The Brown Jug became very popular. It started with these lines:

Dear Tom, this brown jug that now foams with mild ale

Was once Toby Fillpott.

The song was featured in a comic opera called The Poor Soldier in 1783. It was sung by famous performers and became a favorite.