Richard Greswell facts for kids

Richard Greswell (born July 22, 1800 – died July 22, 1881) was an English teacher and a big supporter of church schools. He is famous for helping to restart and strengthen the National Society. This group worked to improve education, especially in schools connected to the church.

Richard Greswell's Life Story

Richard was born in Denton, Lancashire, on July 22, 1800. He was the fourth son of Reverend William Parr Greswell. Richard first learned from his father. Later, he went to Worcester College, Oxford, starting there on June 1, 1818.

In 1822, Richard did very well in his studies. He earned a "double-first," which means he got top grades in two different subjects. After this, he became an assistant teacher at Worcester College. The next year, he became a full teacher. He kept this job for thirty years! In June 1824, he became a "fellow" of the college. This is like being a senior member.

Richard earned his B.A. degree in 1822 and his M.A. degree in 1825. He got his B.D. degree in 1836. In 1830, he was chosen to be a fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very important group for scientists and thinkers.

His Work as a Teacher

As a teacher, Richard Greswell was very knowledgeable and skilled. His lessons were seen as excellent examples. For many years, he used the money he earned from teaching to help public and charity causes. His own living costs were paid for by a modest amount of money his wife, Joana Julia Armitriding, had. They got married in 1836.

In 1843, Richard started a fundraising effort for national education. He began by donating £1,000 himself. In the end, he helped raise a huge £250,000 for the National Society. He also played a big part in setting up the new museum at Oxford. He was one of the people who started the Ashmolean Society, too.

Helping His Community

From 1847 to 1865, Richard Greswell led the election team for Gladstone at Oxford. Gladstone later became a famous Prime Minister. Richard also helped his father's church area in Denton. Thanks to his efforts, a new church called Christ Church was built there in 1853. This new church also got a house for the priest, schools, and money to keep it going.

Many kind and helpful stories are told about Richard Greswell. People said he had "great and varied learning, boundless kindness, and a childlike simplicity."

Richard Greswell passed away in Oxford on July 22, 1881. He died on his 81st birthday. His daughter, Joana Julia Greswell, published a book in 1873. It was called 'Grammatical Analysis of the Hebrew Psalter.'

Richard Greswell's Published Works

Richard Greswell wrote a few things that were published:

• On Education and the Principles of Art (1843)
• Memorial on the Proposed Oxford University Lecture-rooms, Library, Museums, &c. (1853)