Robert Dingley (FRS) facts for kids
Robert Dingley (born around 1710 – died 1781) was an English businessman and banker. He was well-known for being a philanthropist, which means he was a person who actively helps others. In 1747, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a special group for important scientists.
Robert Dingley's Early Life and Work
Robert Dingley was the son of Robert and Susanna Dingley. He had a younger brother named Charles, who was born in 1711 and passed away in 1769. Both brothers became very important in the trade between England and Russia during the mid-1700s. This was a time when many goods were bought and sold between the two countries.
In 1736, Robert Dingley joined a group called the Society of Dilettanti. This society was made up of people who enjoyed art and ancient history. They often traveled to learn more about these subjects.
Helping Others: Robert Dingley's Philanthropy
Robert Dingley was very involved in helping people. He worked as an inspector for the London Foundling Hospital. This hospital was a special place that cared for abandoned children.
Dingley also played a big part in starting the Magdalen Hospital in Whitechapel. This hospital opened in 1758. It was created to help young women who needed support and a new start in life. Dingley first suggested the idea for this hospital in 1750 to another helper named Jonas Hanway. He worked with others like William Dodd and John Fielding to make the hospital a reality.
Hobbies and Talents
Besides his business and charity work, Robert Dingley had many interesting hobbies. He loved collecting different things. He collected old coins, beautiful drawings, and engraved gems. These gems were small, carved stones that were often very valuable.
Dingley was also talented as an architect. An architect is someone who designs buildings. He designed special decorative buildings, especially for a large estate called West Wycombe Park.
