Robert Potter (translator) facts for kids

Robert Potter (1721 – August 9, 1804) was an English clergyman, a priest in the Church of England. He was also a talented writer, known for translating ancient Greek plays, writing poetry, and sharing his opinions as a critic. Potter helped create a new way to translate Greek poems into English. His translation of the plays by Aeschylus, published in 1777, was very popular for 50 years.

Robert Potter's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Robert Potter was born in 1721 in Podimore, a village in Somerset, England. He was the third son of John Potter, who was a special priest called a prebendary at Wells Cathedral. Robert went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned his first degree in 1742 and became a priest that same year.

A Career in the Church

Potter married the daughter of Reverend Colman from Hardingham, Norfolk. They had nine children, including a daughter named Sarah. Robert became a curate (an assistant priest) in Reymerston and a vicar (a priest in charge of a parish) in Melton Parva. However, the money he earned from these jobs was very little, less than £50 a year.

Later, he became a curate in Scarning, Norfolk. From 1761 to 1789, he was also the headmaster of Seckar's School there. Even with these jobs, he spent a lot of his time writing and translating. One of his students at Seckar's School was Jacob Mountain, who later became the first Anglican bishop of Quebec in Canada.

How He Became Financially Secure

For many years, Potter found it hard to support his large family with his small earnings. He also received some help from wealthy people. Finally, in 1788, his financial worries ended. He was appointed a prebendary at Norwich Cathedral. This important position was given to him by Lord Thurlow, who was the Lord Chancellor (a very important legal official in the government).

It's thought that Lord Thurlow might have been a student at Seckar's School, just like Potter. When Potter asked Lord Thurlow for a small amount of money to help with his translation of Sophocles, he received a much more valuable position at the cathedral instead! This meant he could leave his other jobs and move to Norwich.

In 1789, the Bishop of Norwich, Lewis Bagot, gave Potter an even better job. He became the vicar of the combined parishes of Lowestoft and Kessingland in Suffolk. In 1790, he moved to Lowestoft, where he lived until he passed away on August 9, 1804. He was buried in the churchyard there.

What Others Thought of His Work

Some people had different opinions about Robert Potter. An expert on old things, Craven Ord, described Potter as a polite and interesting gentleman, even though he didn't have much money.

However, some famous writers like Samuel Johnson and Hester Thrale didn't think much of Potter's poetry. Johnson reportedly called his poetry "verbiage," meaning it used too many words without saying much. On the other hand, Horace Walpole, another well-known writer, liked Potter's work. He said that Potter's translation of Aeschylus seemed to be written by a "good poet."

Portraits

There is a portrait of Robert Potter painted in 1789 by George Romney (painter). You can also find an etching (a type of print) of him in the National Portrait Gallery, London.