Robert Perceval Graves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Perceval Graves
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Born | 9 March 1810 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 5 October 1893 Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | clergyman |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
| Notable works | Life of Sir William Rowan Hamilton |
| Spouse | Helena Hutchins Bellasis |
| Relatives |
|
Robert Perceval Graves (born March 9, 1810, died October 5, 1893) was an Irish writer and church leader. He was born and passed away in Dublin, Ireland. Robert came from a very talented family! His brothers were Charles Graves, a mathematician and bishop, and John T. Graves, who was also a mathematician and a legal expert. His sister, Helena Clarissa, married a famous German historian named Leopold von Ranke. Robert was also the uncle of the poet Alfred Perceval Graves. Robert Perceval Graves is most famous for writing a long, detailed book about the life of a brilliant scientist named W. R. Hamilton.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Perceval Graves was born in Dublin, Ireland. He went to Trinity College Dublin (TCD), which is a very old and respected university. He studied "classics" there, which means he learned about ancient Greek and Roman history, literature, and languages.
Robert was a very bright student. In 1830, he became a Scholar, which is a special honor given to top students. He earned his first degree (a Bachelor of Arts, or BA) in 1832 and even won a Gold Medal for his excellent work! He then continued his studies and received his Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1837.
Career and Family Life
After finishing his studies, Robert Perceval Graves worked as a clergyman, which is a leader in a church. From 1833 to 1864, he lived and worked in the beautiful Lake District in England. This area is famous for its stunning scenery and inspired many writers.
While living there, Robert became friends with some very famous people. One was William Wordsworth, a well-known poet. Another was Hartley Coleridge, who was also a writer and the son of another famous poet.
On May 31, 1842, Robert married Helena Hutchins Bellasis. Her father was a military captain. Robert and Helena shared many years together.
Champion for Women's Education
After living in England for over 30 years, Robert Perceval Graves returned to Dublin. He continued his work in the church, serving as a sub-dean at the Chapel Royal. He also became involved in education, teaching at Alexandra College. He even served as the Vice Warden there, which is a leadership role.
Robert was a strong supporter of women's education. He believed that women should have the same opportunities as men to get the best education possible. In 1892, he wrote a pamphlet (a small booklet) called "Suggestions on the Subject of University Degrees for Women." In this booklet, he strongly urged his old university, Trinity College Dublin, to allow female students to enroll.
His efforts paid off! Trinity College Dublin finally started admitting women in 1904, just a few years after Robert passed away. He helped pave the way for many young women to pursue higher education.
His Most Famous Work
Robert Perceval Graves is most remembered for writing a huge, three-volume biography about the life of Sir William Rowan Hamilton. Hamilton was a brilliant Irish mathematician and scientist. Robert's book, titled Life of Sir William Rowan Hamilton, was published in three parts: in 1882, 1885, and 1889.
Writing such a detailed and long biography was a huge achievement. To recognize his hard work, Trinity College Dublin awarded him an honorary doctorate (an LLD degree) in 1890. This was a special award given to him for his important contribution to literature and history.
Later Years and Legacy
Robert Perceval Graves passed away on October 5, 1893, in Dublin. He was buried at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin after a service at the Chapel Royal.
Robert Perceval Graves is remembered not only for his important biography but also for his dedication to education and his pioneering support for women's access to universities.
