Lewis Maidwell facts for kids
Lewis Maidwell (1650–1716) was an English writer and teacher. He is remembered for his ideas about education and for wanting to create a special English Academy.
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Who Was Lewis Maidwell?
Lewis Maidwell was an important person in England during the late 1600s and early 1700s. He spent his life working with words, both as a writer and as a teacher. He believed strongly in good education and had big ideas for how to improve it.
His Early Life and Studies
Lewis Maidwell was born in a place called Northamptonshire. When he was younger, he went to a famous school called Westminster School. After that, he continued his studies at Cambridge University, finishing in 1672.
A School in London
After university, Lewis Maidwell opened and ran his own school. This school was located on King Street in London. Besides running his school, he also taught the sons of a rich and important person named Stephen Fox. Stephen Fox was a politician, which means he helped make decisions for the country.
Idea for an English Academy
Lewis Maidwell is well-known for an idea he had. He often spoke about wanting to start an "English Academy." This would be a special group or institution, much like the famous Académie Française in Paris. The French Academy helps to keep the French language proper and clear. Maidwell believed England needed something similar to help guide and improve the English language.
His Play and Friends
Lewis Maidwell also wrote a funny play called The Loving Enemies. This play was performed by a group called the Duke's Company at the Dorset Garden Theatre in 1680. He was also a good friend of Nahum Tate. Nahum Tate was another play writer and was even the official poet for the country, known as the Poet Laureate.
