Richard Burn facts for kids
Richard Burn (born in 1709, died in 1785) was an important English writer who focused on law. He helped people understand the rules and laws of his time.
Becoming a Legal Expert
Richard Burn was born in a place called Winton, near Kirkby Stephen in Westmorland, England. In 1729, he started studying at The Queen's College, Oxford University. He left the university in 1732 to become a schoolmaster in Kirkby Stephen. He finally received his first university degree (a Bachelor of Arts) in 1735.
After teaching, Burn joined the Church of England. In 1736, he became a vicar (a type of priest) in Orton, Westmorland. He also worked as a justice of the peace for Westmorland and Cumberland counties. A justice of the peace was a local judge who helped keep order and solve small legal problems. Burn spent a lot of time studying law.
By 1762, Burn was well-known for his knowledge of law. University of Oxford gave him an honorary law degree (called an LL.D.). In 1765, he became a high-ranking legal official for the church area (diocese) of Carlisle. He held this important job until he passed away in Orton at the age of 86.
His Important Books
Richard Burn wrote several important books about law. His book Justice of the Peace and Parish Officer was first published in 1755. For many years, this book was the main guide for justices of the peace. It was so popular that it was printed about 30 times, even long after Burn died!
Another major work was Ecclesiastical Law (1760). This book was about church law, which deals with the rules and organization of the church. Burn did a lot of research for this book, and it became a key resource for later writers on church law.
Burn also wrote other books, including:
- Digest of the Militia Laws (1760) – about rules for local military groups.
- History of the Poor Laws: with observations (1764) – about laws helping poor people.
- A New Law Dictionary (1792) – published after he died, this book updated an earlier famous law book by William Blackstone.
Burn was also an antiquarian, which means he was very interested in old things and history. He worked with Joseph Nicolson to write The History and Antiquities of the Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland. This two-volume book came out in 1777. It shared information about families, customs, buildings, and the political and religious history of these two counties. Even today, it is very helpful for people studying family history and local history.
Family Life
Richard Burn was married twice. His first wife was Eleanor Nelson, whom he married in 1736. She passed away in 1739. In 1740, he married Anne Kitchen. Richard and Anne had one son named John, who was born in 1744.
