Robert Freind facts for kids

Robert Freind (1667–1751) was an English clergyman and a well-known headmaster of Westminster School. He was respected for his knowledge and his ability to lead a school successfully.

His Life and Career

Robert Freind was born in 1667 in Croughton, Northamptonshire. His father, William Freind, was also a clergyman. Robert started his education at Westminster School in 1680. Later, he went to Christ Church, Oxford, in 1686. He earned several degrees there, including a B.A. in 1690 and a D.D. in 1709.

In 1698, Freind served as a "proctor," which is an official who helps keep order at the university. The next year, he became the under-master of Westminster School. This meant he was the second-in-command.

In 1711, Robert Freind became the headmaster of Westminster School. This was a very important job. In the same year, he also became the rector of Witney in Oxfordshire, which is a church leader.

Freind continued to rise in his career. In 1729, he was made a canon of Windsor, which is a special position in a cathedral. In 1731, he became a prebendary of Westminster Abbey. This meant he was a member of the clergy connected to the Abbey.

He retired from being headmaster in 1733. After he left, John Nicoll took over the role. In 1739, Freind gave up his church position in Witney. His son took over that role. In 1737, he became a canon at Christ Church, Oxford. He also gave up his position at Westminster Abbey to his son in 1744.

Robert Freind passed away on August 7, 1751, when he was 84 years old. He was buried in the church at Witney.

His Friends and Influence

Robert Freind was a friendly person and a great scholar. He was a very successful headmaster. He had many famous friends, including Francis Atterbury, Matthew Prior, and Jonathan Swift. These were all important writers and thinkers of their time.

His Writings

Robert Freind wrote several things during his life. While he was a student at Oxford, he wrote English poems. He also wrote two Latin poems. One was called Encænium Rusticum, which means "A Country Wake." The other was Pugna Gallorum Gallinaceorum, which means "A Battle of Fighting Cocks."

In 1710, he published a sermon he gave in Westminster. A sermon is a speech given in church. He also published a book in 1724 called Cicero's Orator. This book was about the famous Roman speaker, Cicero.

Freind also wrote a long dedication to the queen for the medical books of his brother, John Freind, who was a doctor. He also wrote several epitaphs, which are inscriptions on gravestones.

His Family

Robert Freind married Jane, who was the daughter of Dr. Samuel De l'Angle. Dr. De l'Angle was also a clergyman at Westminster. Robert and Jane had four children. Sadly, three of their children died when they were young. Their only surviving child was William Freind. William followed in his father's footsteps. He became the church leader in Witney and later became the dean of Canterbury.