Robert Holmes (priest) facts for kids

Robert Holmes (born November 1748 in London, England – died November 1805 in Oxford, England) was an important English church leader and scholar. He was known for his deep studies of the Bible, especially a Greek version called the Septuagint. He also served as the Dean of Winchester, which is a high position in the church.

The Life of Robert Holmes

Early Years and Education

Robert Holmes was born in London in November 1748. He was baptized on November 30, 1748, at a church called St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. His father was Edmund Holmes.

When he was 12 years old, in 1760, Robert became a student at Winchester College. Later, in 1767, he went to New College, Oxford, a famous university. He was a very bright student. In 1769, he won a special prize for a Latin poem. This was the very first year this prize was given!

He earned his first university degree (B.A.) in 1770. After that, he became a fellow of his college, which means he was a senior member and teacher. He continued his studies, earning more advanced degrees: M.A. in 1774, B.D. in 1787, and D.D. in 1789.

His Work as a Scholar

Robert Holmes became a rector, or priest, at a church in Stanton St. John, Oxfordshire. His first book was a sermon he gave at Oxford University in 1777. It was about the idea of the body rising again after death.

In 1778, he published a poem called Alfred, an Ode. In 1782, he was chosen to give the important Bampton Lectures. These were eight talks about the prophecies of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

He also became the Oxford Professor of Poetry in 1783. He wrote a special poem for a university event that year. In 1788, he published 'Four Tracts', which were short writings about religious ideas like redemption and the resurrection.

His Big Bible Project

In 1788, Robert Holmes started a huge project. He began to compare different old handwritten copies of the Septuagint. The Septuagint is a very old Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. His goal was to create a very accurate version of it.

This was a massive task, and he worked on it for many years. He even gave yearly updates on his progress. He didn't finish the project before he died, but his friend and helper, James Parsons, completed it. The full edition was finally published in five volumes by 1827.

A Man of Many Talents

Robert Holmes wasn't just a scholar who spent all his time studying. He was also a very active person! He loved sports. According to one writer, he would walk out of his college in his church robes. Then, a servant would meet him with a hat, a gun, and a dog. He would take off his robes to show his hunting clothes underneath and go off for an afternoon of shooting in the woods!

His old friend, James Woodforde, visited him in 1793. Woodforde found that Holmes had been out shooting and didn't return until late in the afternoon. Woodforde also said that Dr. Holmes's wife was "very agreeable" and his sister was "very pleasant."

Later Life and Church Roles

Robert Holmes held several important positions in the church during his life. He became a prebendary (a type of church official) at Salisbury Cathedral in 1790. He also became a prebendary at Hereford Cathedral in 1791 and at Christ Church, Oxford, in 1795.

In 1804, he reached a very high position when he became the Dean of Winchester. This made him the head of Winchester Cathedral. In 1797, he was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of very important scientists and scholars.

Robert Holmes passed away at his home in Oxford on November 12, 1805. Many of his writings and speeches were published again in 1806, after his death.