John Burton (antiquary) facts for kids

John Burton (1710–1771) was an English doctor and a history detective! He was known as a physician (a doctor) and an antiquary (someone who studies old things and history). He lived in the 1700s and was a very smart person who made important contributions to medicine, especially in helping mothers give birth.

John Burton's Early Life and Studies

John Burton was born in Colchester in 1710. He went to Merchant Taylors' School in London and then studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He became a doctor in 1733. By 1734, he was working as a doctor in Wakefield.

Burton was very good at Greek and Latin. He became a well-known doctor in York and the surrounding area. He was also a strong supporter of the Tory party, a political group at the time. He worked hard for his party during a big election in 1734. This made some people, like a local clergyman named Dr. Jaques Sterne, dislike him. This dislike caused problems for Burton later on.

In 1735, John Burton married Mary Henson in York. Her family's money likely helped him continue his medical studies. He went to Leiden University to learn more, where he learned about helping women during childbirth. He earned another medical degree from Reims.

His first medical articles were published in 1734 and 1736. By 1738, he was a successful doctor and a "man-midwife" (a male doctor who helped with childbirth) in York. He was also a key person in starting the York County Hospital in 1740, where he worked as an honorary doctor until 1746. In the same year, he moved into The Red House in York.

Challenges and Political Troubles

John Burton continued to support the Tory party in the elections of 1741. This made Dr. Jaques Sterne, who was now a leader at York Minster, and his nephew, Laurence Sterne, even more upset with Burton.

In 1743, Burton's financial situation improved when he inherited money after his parents-in-law passed away. However, two years later, he faced a big problem that hurt his reputation and his money for a long time. This happened during the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was a time when supporters of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (known as the Young Pretender) tried to take over the throne.

In November 1745, Burton traveled to Lancashire, where the Prince's forces were marching. It's not clear why he went, but his absence from York at such an important time made his political enemies suspicious. They suggested he was joining the Young Pretender.

When Burton returned to York, he was arrested and put in York Castle on November 30, accused of being disloyal to the king. After three months in prison, he was taken to London to be questioned by a special council. He was finally released on bail in March 1747. He went to trial in York in July, but because a special law was passed, his case was dropped, and he was set free. However, he had lost all his money and belongings, and only his wife's small fortune remained.

Regaining His Good Name

Even after his troubles, John Burton slowly regained his good name. He was appointed to a government position in 1750, 1765, and 1766. He was even offered the freedom of the city of York in 1754, though he didn't accept it. He also had visits from two people he had met in prison, Flora Macdonald and Captain Malcolm McLeod, in the years after his release.

In 1749, he published two short books to explain what happened and to say he was innocent. It took longer for his medical practice to recover. In 1751, he published a book called An Essay towards a Complete System of Midwifery. This book included some of the earliest published drawings by the famous artist George Stubbs. Burton wrote the book quickly because he wanted to get his professional status back. He also wanted to publish it before another famous doctor, William Smellie, released his own book about new tools for childbirth.

Smellie's book, Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Midwifery (1751), received great reviews. Burton's book, however, got a long but not very positive review. Burton responded by publishing A letter to William Smellie, M.D. in 1753, criticizing Smellie's work. Smellie didn't reply, but one of his former students, Giles Watts, wrote a successful defense against Burton's criticisms in 1755. Despite this, Burton's reputation didn't seem to suffer much, and his improved tools for childbirth were used for many years.

Later Life and Legacy

John Burton passed away in the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, York, on January 19, 1771. His wife, Mary, died later that year on October 28. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, York.

Some people believe that John Burton was the inspiration for the funny character Doctor Slop in the famous novel Tristram Shandy, written by Laurence Sterne (the nephew of Dr. Jaques Sterne, Burton's old rival). Dr. Slop is described as "a little, squat, uncourtly figure." However, a description from 1746 said Burton was "a tall Well sett Gentleman," so the character might just be a playful exaggeration!

John Burton's Published Works

Here are some of the books and articles John Burton published:

• Essay on Midwifery, published in 1761 and 1763. This book was about helping mothers give birth.
• Monasticon Eboracense, volume 1, published in 1768. This was a big book about old churches and historical sites in Yorkshire.
• Two articles about old things in Yorkshire, published in Archæologia between 1768 and 1771.