Henry Sanders (historian) facts for kids

Henry Sanders (born 1727, died 1785) was an English church leader and a historian who loved to write about local places. He worked as a curate (a type of church minister) in a place called Shenstone, Staffordshire. He is best known for his book, The History and Antiquities of Shenstone, which tells the story of that area.

Henry Sanders' Life Story

Henry Sanders was born in a town called Dudley. He was baptized (a church ceremony) on January 16, 1727. His father, Henry Rogers Sanders, was an apothecary (like a pharmacist today).

Henry went to Dudley Grammar School. His uncle, Thomas, a surgeon, helped pay for some of his education. In 1746, Henry went to Oriel College, Oxford university. He worked there as a "servitor," which meant he helped out to pay for his studies. He earned his degree in 1750.

In 1754, after becoming a priest, he started working as a curate in Wednesbury. That same year, he married Elizabeth Butler.

Working in Shenstone

Sanders became a curate in Shenstone, Staffordshire in 1755. He worked there for fourteen years. People liked him, and he made many good friends in Shenstone. He always felt thankful for the town and its people. His last entry in the Shenstone church records was on January 22, 1770.

Soon after leaving Shenstone, he became an usher (a teacher's assistant) at King Edward's School, Birmingham. In 1771, a friend of his uncle, Lord Lyttelton, helped him become the master (head teacher) of Halesowen school. He also became a permanent curate in Oldbury.

Henry Sanders died in Halesowen in January 1785. He asked to be buried in the churchyard of Shenstone, which happened on February 4, 1785. His wife had passed away earlier, in 1759. Their only son, John Butler Sanders (1750–1830), also became a curate in London. He was a big supporter of the Royal Humane Society, which helps save people from drowning.

His Famous Book

Henry Sanders spent his free time writing The History and Antiquities of Shenstone. This book was published in 1794 by John Nichols. Henry's son wrote a short introduction about his father in the book.

This book is considered a great example of a local history. It includes detailed information about the local manors (large estates), small villages, farms, and family histories. Another historian, Stebbing Shaw, used Sanders' work a lot for his own book, History of Staffordshire.