Michael Tyson (antiquary) facts for kids

Michael Tyson (1740–1780) was an English priest, a smart scholar, a history expert, and an artist. He lived in the 1700s and was known for his etchings and his interest in old things.

Early Life and Education (1740-1767)

Michael Tyson was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on November 19, 1740. He was the only child of Michael Tyson, who was a church leader, and Elizabeth Curtis.

In 1759, Michael Tyson started studying at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He was a very good student and even studied Greek. He earned his first degree in 1764 and became a fellow (a senior member) of his college in 1767.

Adventures and Discoveries (1766-1779)

In 1766, Michael Tyson went on a trip through northern England and Scotland with another history expert, Richard Gough. He kept a diary of their journey. During this trip, he was made an honorary citizen of Glasgow and Inverary.

After his travels, Tyson returned to Cambridge. He spent his time creating etchings (a type of art) and studying plants. He even went on trips around Cambridge to find rare plants.

Michael Tyson became a member of important groups for history and science. He joined the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1768 and the Royal Society in 1779. These groups were for people who studied old things and science.

Church Work and Later Years (1770-1780)

In 1770, Michael Tyson became a deacon, which is a step in becoming a priest. He worked as a minister in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, for a few years. He also held important roles at his college, like being a dean and a bursar (someone who manages money).

Around 1774, he started working at St Bene't's Church in Cambridge. In 1776, he became a preacher at Whitehall. That same year, he helped create a list of all the prints in the university library at Cambridge.

In 1778, Michael Tyson became the rector (head priest) of Lambourne in Essex. He passed away in Lambourne on May 4, 1780, from a fever. He was buried there a few days later.

Art and Writings

Michael Tyson was a talented artist. He created many engravings, etchings, and miniature paintings. Some of his artworks were sold to the public. He made etchings of churches and tombs in Cambridgeshire. He also etched portraits of important people.

• Artworks:
  • An etching of Browne Willis (1771)
  • An engraving of Richard Love
  • Drawings in the Antiquarian Repertory

He also wrote about a fish that was brought from the Pacific Ocean in 1771. He wrote poems for university events, like the king's wedding. Michael Tyson planned to write a book about Queen Elizabeth's travels, but another writer, John Nichols, finished it with Tyson's help. He also described an old handwritten book from his college, which was published in a history journal.

Tyson was part of a group of friends at Corpus Christi College who loved history. He was also friends with famous people like Horace Walpole. Many letters he wrote are still available today.

Family Life

In 1778, Michael Tyson married Margaret Wale in Cambridge. They had one son, Michael Curtis Tyson. Sadly, Michael Tyson passed away when his son was young. His wife, Margaret, later remarried in 1784.

Images for kids

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  Etching of Browne Willis (1771) after a portrait by Michael Dahl

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  Engraving of Richard Love