Richard Frewin facts for kids

Richard Frewin (born around 1681, died 1761) was an important English physician and a professor of history. He was known for his medical skills and his dedication to learning.

Early Life and School Days

Richard Frewin grew up in London. When he was about 12, he became a King's Scholar at Westminster School. This was a special honor. Later, in 1698, he earned a scholarship to Christ Church, a college at Oxford University.

He studied hard at Oxford. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1702. Then he got his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1704. He continued his medical studies, earning his Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.) in 1707 and finally his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1711.

A Busy Career

Richard Frewin had many important roles during his life.

Professor and Teacher

In 1708, he was a professor of chemistry. He also taught rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing well) at Christ Church in 1711. He was clearly a very smart and respected teacher.

Skilled Doctor

Dr. Frewin was also a highly respected doctor. People trusted his medical advice. He even cared for Dean Aldrich, a very important person at Christ Church, when he was ill.

Another famous doctor, John Freind, dedicated a medical book to Dr. Frewin. This book included a letter from Frewin. In the letter, he described a medical case he had treated. This shows how well-known and skilled he was in medicine.

History Professor

In 1727, Dr. Frewin was chosen to be the Camden Professor of Ancient History. Everyone agreed he was the best person for the job. He was so dedicated that he bought many history and chronology books. He wanted to be sure he was fully prepared for his new teaching role.

Later Life and Legacy

Richard Frewin passed away on May 29, 1761. He had lived a long and successful life. He had outlived his children, who died young, and three wives.

He left a lasting impact through his generous gifts:

• He set aside £2,000 to help King's Scholars from Westminster who went to Christ Church.
• He also gave £2,000 to help doctors at the Radcliffe Infirmary, a hospital.
• His house in Oxford, now called Frewin Hall, was left for the main professor of medicine at Oxford.
• He gave his large collection of history and literature books (2,300 volumes!) to the Radcliffe Library.
• The Radcliffe Library also has a special collection of dried plants he made. He wrote notes about their medicinal uses.

There are also pictures of him in the hall and common room at Christ Church. A statue of his head is in the library there. These show how much he was admired.