Robert Nares facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Nares
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| Born | 9 June 1753  |
| Died | 23 March 1829 (aged 75) |
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| Occupation | Writer, librarian, clergyman, editor, linguist, scholar of English, priest |
Robert Nares (born June 9, 1753, in York – died March 23, 1829) was an English clergyman, which means he was a priest in the Church of England. He was also a philologist, someone who studies language, and a writer.
About Robert Nares
Robert Nares was born in York in 1753. His father, James Nares, was a famous composer and the organist at York Minster. Robert went to school at Westminster School and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford University.
From 1779 to 1783, Robert Nares worked as a tutor. He taught the sons of Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 4th Baronet, named Watkin and Charles. During this time, he lived with their family in London and at Wynnstay in Wrexham.
In June 1782, he became the vicar of Easton Maudit in Northamptonshire. A vicar is a type of priest in charge of a church parish. In 1785, he also became the vicar of Great Doddington, also in Northamptonshire. From 1786 to 1788, he worked as an Usher at Westminster School. This meant he helped teach and supervise students, especially the Williams-Wynn boys who were sent there.
His Career and Roles
Robert Nares held many important positions throughout his life:
- In 1787, he became a Chaplain to the Duke of York. A chaplain is a priest who serves a specific person or institution.
- In 1788, he was an Assistant Preacher at Lincoln's Inn, a place where lawyers are trained.
- In 1795, he started working at the British Museum as an Assistant Librarian in the Department of Manuscripts. Manuscripts are old documents written by hand.
- Four years later, he was promoted to Keeper of Manuscripts, meaning he was in charge of this important collection.
- He continued his work as a clergyman, becoming the vicar of Dalbury, Derbyshire in 1796.
- In 1798, he became the rector of Sharnford, a Canon Residentiary of Lichfield Cathedral, and a Prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral. These are all important roles within the church.
- In 1801, he was made Archdeacon of Stafford. An archdeacon is a senior priest who helps a bishop manage a large area.
- He served as Vicar of St Mary's, Reading from 1805 to 1818.
- Finally, he was the vicar of All Hallows, London Wall until he passed away in 1829.
In 1803, Robert Nares was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group for important scientists and thinkers. He was married three times but did not have any children.
His Published Works
Robert Nares was also known for his writings, especially about language.
- In 1784, he published his first book about language called The Elements of Orthoepy. Orthoepy is the study of how words are pronounced correctly. This book was highly praised by others.
- In 1792, a new version of this book was released with a different title: General Rules for the Pronunciation of the English Language.
- In 1793, he helped start and edit a magazine called the British Critic. He worked on this with his good friend, Rev. William Beloe.
- His most important work, Nares' Glossary, was published in 1822. A glossary is like a dictionary, but it focuses on old or unusual words. This book was described as essential for anyone reading old English literature, especially from the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
- In 1819, Nares also published a book called The Veracity of the Evangelists Demonstrated: by a Comparative View of their Histories. This book looked at the truthfulness of the Gospels, which are parts of the Bible.
