Henry Drury (educator) facts for kids
Henry Joseph Thomas Drury (born April 27, 1778 – died March 5, 1841) was an English teacher and expert in classical studies. He was also a close friend of the famous poet Lord Byron. People often called him Harry Drury.
The Life of Henry Drury
Henry Drury was born on April 27, 1778, in Harrow, London. His father, Joseph Drury, was the headmaster of Harrow School. Henry studied at both Harrow and Eton. Later, he attended King's College, Cambridge, where he earned his degrees in 1801 and 1804. He was also a Fellow at the college from 1799 to 1808.
Drury worked as a teacher at Harrow School for 41 years, from 1801 until 1841. During this time, he was a tutor to Lord Byron. They later became very close friends and wrote many letters to each other.
In 1813, Drury was chosen to join the Roxburghe Club, a group for people who love old books. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in February 1818. This is a special honor for people who have made important discoveries in science.
In 1829, many people thought Henry Drury would become the new headmaster of Harrow. However, a different person, Charles Longley, was chosen instead. After this, Drury's teaching style changed a bit. He became more unusual and less strict in the classroom. He would sometimes miss morning lessons or eat fruit during class. Even so, the students still liked him very much.
Henry Drury passed away in Harrow on March 5, 1841.
Family and Personal Life
In 1808, Henry Drury married Caroline Tayler. She was the daughter of Archdale Wilson Tayler and the sister of the artist John Frederick Tayler. Just two years after their wedding, Lord Byron wrote a letter about Drury. He joked that marriage had "spoiled such an excellent bachelor." Caroline's sister, Susannah Tayler, later married Francis Hodgson, who was also a friend of Byron.
Henry and Caroline had five sons. Some of their notable sons included Henry Drury, who became an Archdeacon, Admiral Byron Drury, and Colonel Heber Drury.
