Owen Manning facts for kids
Owen Manning FSA (born in 1721, died in 1801) was an English clergyman and a historian. He is best known for his work on the history of Surrey, a county in England. A clergyman is a religious leader, and an antiquarian is someone who studies old things, like ancient history and artifacts.
Life of Owen Manning
Owen Manning was born on August 11, 1721, in Orlingbury, Northamptonshire. He went to Queens' College, Cambridge for his education. He earned his first degree in 1740 and continued his studies there. While he was a student, he almost died from smallpox, a serious disease at the time.
In 1741, he became a fellow at Queens' College. This position also meant he was in charge of the St Botolph's Church, Cambridge. He held both these roles until he got married in 1755.
Later, he worked for John Thomas, who was a bishop. The bishop gave him important church positions in Lincoln Cathedral in 1757 and in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, in 1760. In 1763, he became the vicar of Godalming, Surrey, where he lived for the rest of his life. He also became the rector of Peper Harrow, a nearby parish, in 1769.
Owen Manning was recognized for his studies. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1767 and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1770. He passed away in Godalming on September 9, 1801. People in his church placed a special marble tablet in his memory.
Owen Manning's Works and Books
Owen Manning spent many years gathering information for a history book about Surrey. However, he felt his notes were not complete enough to publish. Also, he lost his eyesight completely, which meant he could not oversee the printing himself.
After his death, his notes were given to William Bray. William Bray added more information and finished the work for Manning's widow. The book was published in three volumes between 1804 and 1814. Its full title was The History and Antiquities of the County of Surrey, with a facsimile Copy of Domesday.
In 1819, another book called The Ecclesiastical Topography of the County of Surrey was published. It contained pictures of churches in Surrey to go along with Manning and Bray's history book.
Manning also helped finish a dictionary of the Saxon language started by his friend Edward Lye. He also translated and added notes to ‘The Will of King Alfred’. This translation was printed in 1788.
Owen Manning's Family
Owen Manning was married to Catherine, who was the daughter of Reade Peacock. They had three sons and five daughters. Most of his children lived longer than him, except for his eldest son, George Owen Manning, and one of his daughters, who died young.
