John Brickdale Blakeway facts for kids
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John Brickdale Blakeway (born June 24, 1765 – died March 10, 1826) was an English lawyer, a leader in the church, and a historian who wrote about places. He is best known for his detailed writings about the history of Shrewsbury and Shropshire.
Contents
John Blakeway's Life Story
John Blakeway was born in Shrewsbury, England, on June 24, 1765. His father was Joshua Blakeway. John went to school in Shrewsbury and then to Westminster School in London. After that, he studied at Oriel College, Oxford University.
Becoming a Lawyer and Priest
After finishing university, John Blakeway decided to become a lawyer. He joined a famous legal society called Lincoln's Inn and officially became a barrister (a type of lawyer) in 1789.
However, his family's money situation changed. Because of this, he decided to become a priest in the Church of England. He was ordained, meaning he officially became a priest, in 1793.
Church Roles and Historical Work
In 1794, John Blakeway became a minister at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury. This church was special because it was a "Royal Peculiar," meaning it was directly under the King's authority, not the local bishop.
When his uncle, Reverend Edward Blakeway, passed away, John took over some of his roles. He became the official leader of the Royal Peculiar and also became the vicar of Neen Savage and the rector of Felton, Somerset. In 1800, he also became the vicar of Kinlet, all in Shropshire.
A Passion for History
John Blakeway was very interested in history and old things. In 1807, he was chosen to be a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This is a group for people who study history and ancient objects.
From 1800 to 1816, he lived in both Kinlet and Shrewsbury. But it was hard to manage two homes. So, in 1816, he gave up his roles in Felton and Kinlet. From then on, he lived only in his hometown of Shrewsbury.
John Brickdale Blakeway passed away in Shrewsbury on March 10, 1826, when he was 60 years old. He was buried in St. Mary's Church, where a special monument was put up to remember him.
John Blakeway's Writings
John Blakeway wrote several important books and papers, mostly about history and places.
- An Attempt to ascertain the Author of the Letters published under the signature of Junius (1813): In this book, Blakeway tried to figure out who wrote a famous series of letters signed "Junius." These letters were very critical of the British government in the late 1700s. Blakeway believed the author was John Horne Tooke.
- The Sequel of an Attempt to ascertain the Author of the Letters published under the signature of Junius (1815): This was a follow-up book where he continued his research on the "Junius" letters.
- A History of Shrewsbury (1825): This was a two-volume book he wrote with Hugh Owen. It was a detailed history of the town of Shrewsbury.
- The Sheriffs of Shropshire, with their armorial bearings, and notices, biographical and genealogical, of their families (1831): This book was published after his death. It listed the sheriffs of Shropshire, along with their family crests and information about their lives and families.
- He also wrote some sermons and a short paper on a religious topic called Regeneration.
