Robert Houlton facts for kids

Robert Houlton (born around 1739, died in 1815) was an English doctor, writer for plays, and a journalist.

Early Life and Education

Robert Houlton was born in England around 1739. His father, also named Robert Houlton, was a reverend. Young Robert went to Corpus Christi College, Oxford in 1755. Later, he moved to Magdalen College, Oxford. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1759. He then received his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1762. He left Magdalen College in 1765 and soon got married.

Helping People with Inoculation

Robert Houlton's father worked to promote a special way to prevent smallpox, a very serious disease. This method was called the Suttonian method of variolation, which was an early form of inoculation. Inoculation meant giving someone a small amount of the disease to help their body learn to fight it off.

Robert Houlton the younger learned the secrets of this method. He then traveled to Ireland to use it and help people. In 1768, he listed over 60 "partners" who were also using the Suttonian method in different areas. Houlton himself worked in Dublin with other medical professionals to use this method. He and another person, Samuel Sparrow, traveled around different Irish counties, helping people with inoculation. In 1770, Houlton received another Master of Arts degree from Trinity College, Dublin, and later a medical degree.

Becoming a Writer in Dublin

After his medical work, Houlton started working as a journalist and writing plays. He often used different pen names when writing about politics. In the 1780s, he joined the staff of the Freeman's Journal, a newspaper that supported the British government. He also wrote for the Dublin Evening Post, which had more nationalist views.

Houlton wrote the words for several operas performed in Dublin. These included:

• The Contract (1783)
• Double Stratagem (1784)
• Gibraltar (1784)
• Orpheus and Eurydice (1784)
• Calypso (1785)

For a while, Houlton was one of the most popular writers for new plays at the Capel Street Theatre. He also met and supported a young writer named Thomas Dermody in 1785.

Later Years and Other Works

In 1792, Houlton moved to London and became the editor of the Morning Herald newspaper. However, he had to leave this job after about a year due to poor health. He later faced financial difficulties and struggled with money. In 1796, he received help from his old college, Magdalen College.

Houlton also wrote poetry and songs. Some of his songs became quite popular. He wrote a comic opera called Wilmore Castle, which was performed in London in 1800. Later in his life, Houlton worked for companies that promoted lotteries. In 1815, he asked the Royal Literary Fund for support, showing he was still facing challenges.

His Published Works

Here are some of the things Robert Houlton published:

• Indisputable Facts relative to the Suttonian Art of Inoculation, with Observations on its Discovery, Progress, &c. (Dublin, 1768). This pamphlet supported the Suttonian method of inoculation.
• A Selection of Political Letters (Dublin, 1782).
• A Review of the Musical Drama of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, for... 1797–1800, which will tend to... elucidate Mrs. Plowden's late... publication (London, 1801). In this work, Houlton defended his opera Wilmore Castle.