John Wedge facts for kids
John Wedge (born 10 December 1744 – died 19 March 1816) was an English expert in farming, known as an agriculturalist. He helped improve farming methods during his lifetime.
About John Wedge
John Wedge was born in 1744 near Forton, Staffordshire, England. His parents were Francis and Elizabeth Wedge. His family were successful farmers.
John Wedge became a skilled farmer himself. He lived and worked at Church Farm in Bickenhill, Warwickshire.
His Work and Achievements
John Wedge worked for the Earl of Aylesford, a nobleman who lived nearby at Packington House. Wedge was the Earl's agent, helping to manage his estates.
He was also a close friend of Rev John Jaques, a local church leader. Wedge even became a churchwarden at Little Packington church.
Wedge was very good at farming and owned several properties. He also worked as a surveyor, which means he measured land. He even helped survey the Grand Canal of Ireland, a big waterway project.
He also owned a factory in Birmingham that made brass items.
In 1792, John Wedge won a Silver Medal from the Society of Arts. He earned this award for his work on draining land on the Earl of Aylesford's farm. This helped make the land better for growing crops.
In 1794, he wrote an important book called A General View of the Agriculture of the County of Warwick. This book described the farming practices in his home county. He wrote it for the Board of Agriculture, a group that wanted to improve farming across England.
His Family
John Wedge married Sarah Bennett in 1793. They had several children.
Their second son, John Jaques Wedge (born 1795), later became a church leader. He studied at St John's College, Cambridge. His own son, also named John Jaques Wedge, also became a clergyman.
John Wedge passed away on 19 March 1816. He was buried in the graveyard of St Bartholomew's church in Little Packington.
