James Eyre (philologist) facts for kids

James Eyre (1748–1813) was an English expert in language. He was known as a philologist, which means someone who studies language, especially its history and how it changes over time. He also worked on dictionaries, making him a lexicographer.

James Eyre's Life and Work

James Eyre was an important figure in the world of English language studies during his time. He spent many years teaching and contributing to one of the most famous English dictionaries ever made.

Early Life and Education

James Eyre was born in 1748. He went to two well-known universities to get his education. First, he studied at Trinity College, Oxford. Later, he continued his studies at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. These experiences helped him become the language expert he was.

A Career in Education and the Church

For thirty years, James Eyre was the headmaster of Solihull Grammar School. A headmaster is like the principal of a school. He led the school until he passed away. Besides his work in education, he also served in the church. He was a rector, which is a type of priest, in two different places in Wiltshire. He was the rector of Winterbourne Stoke from 1801 to 1813 and of Nettleton from 1802 to 1813.

Contributions to the English Dictionary

One of James Eyre's most notable achievements was his work on Samuel Johnson's famous English Dictionary. He carefully read through Johnson's dictionary and added his own notes and comments. This process is called annotating. These notes were very valuable. Later, another scholar named Henry John Todd used Eyre's notes when he created his own updated version of Johnson's Dictionary. This shows how important Eyre's insights were to understanding and improving the English language.

Later Years

James Eyre continued his work as a headmaster and rector until his death in 1813. His contributions to both education and the study of the English language left a lasting impact.