Robert Shippen facts for kids

Robert Shippen (1675–1745) was an English leader at the University of Oxford. He was an important academic who helped run Brasenose College and even Oxford University itself.

Shippen was the brother of William Shippen, who was a well-known politician from the Tory party. The Tories were a major political group in England at the time.

Early Life and Education

Robert Shippen started his education at Stockport Grammar School. Later, he went to Merton College, Oxford. He officially joined Merton College on April 6, 1693. He worked hard and earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1696.

Career at Oxford

After finishing his first degree, Shippen became a teacher, or tutor, at Brasenose College, Oxford. He continued his studies and received his Master of Arts degree on July 4, 1699.

Soon after, he was chosen to be a Fellow of Brasenose College. A Fellow is like a senior member of the college who helps with teaching and research.

Professor and Principal

In 1705, Robert Shippen was chosen as the Professor of Music at Gresham College in London. This was a special role where he taught about music. The next year, in 1706, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists and thinkers.

In 1710, Shippen became the Principal of Brasenose College. The Principal is the head of the college, like a president. He also earned a Doctor of Divinity degree, which is a high academic honor. He stayed as the Principal of Brasenose College until he passed away in 1745.

While he was the Principal of Brasenose College, Robert Shippen also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. He held this very important position from 1718 to 1723. The Vice-Chancellor is the main leader of the entire university.

Family and Later Years

In 1710, the same year he became Principal of Brasenose, Robert Shippen married Frances. She was the daughter of Richard Legh and had been married before. After his marriage, on October 3, 1710, he left his teaching job at Gresham College. He gave this position to his older brother, Edward Shippen, who was also a scholar from Brasenose College.

Robert Shippen was buried in the chapel at Brasenose College. There is a special message, called an epitaph, and a statue of his head (a bust) there to remember him.