George Fenwicke facts for kids
George Fenwicke (1690–1760) was an English clergyman and a writer. He was known for his religious books and sermons.
A Clergyman's Life
George Fenwicke went to St. John's College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned his first degree in 1709 and a master's degree in 1712. He became a Fellow at St John's in 1710. This meant he was a senior member of the college.
In 1722, he left his position at the college. He then became the rector of Hallaton, a village in Leicestershire. He stayed there until he passed away.
The Hare-Pie Tradition
Holding the rector's job in Hallaton came with a fun, old tradition! Every Easter Monday, as part of an old gift of land, the rector had to provide a special feast. This included two hare-pies, some ale, and two dozen penny loaves of bread.
After a church service, these items were carried in a parade to a spot called 'Harepies Bank'. They were then thrown into a hole for everyone to scramble and grab! This event brought together the men, women, and children of the village.
Another kind gift came from a woman named Mrs. Parker. This money allowed the rector to create a home for three poor people from the village.
George Fenwicke died on April 10, 1760. His name is remembered on a stone tablet outside the church.
His Writings
George Fenwicke was a busy writer. He published several sermons, which are speeches given in church. One sermon was about the smallpox disease in 1737. He also wrote books, including:
- The Friendly Monitor for Rich and Poor
- Help for the Sincere in Plain Meditations, published in London in 1737
- Thoughts on the Hebrew Titles of the Psalms, published in London in 1749
- The Psalter in its Original Form, published in 1759
