Spalding Gentlemen's Society facts for kids
The Spalding Gentlemen's Society is a special club in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England. It's all about learning new things in culture, science, and history. This group is actually Britain's oldest club of its kind outside of London, starting way back in 1710! It was founded by Maurice Johnson. Even though it's called "Gentlemen's Society," anyone aged 18 or older can join today, no matter if they are male or female. Their museum in Spalding opened in 1911 and has been added to over the years.
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What is the Spalding Gentlemen's Society?
The Spalding Gentlemen's Society is a very old and respected club. It focuses on learning and sharing knowledge about many different topics. These include:
- Culture: Art, music, and traditions.
- Science: How the world works.
- Antiquities: Old objects and history.
The club has a museum where they keep many interesting items. These items help members and visitors learn about the past.
How Did the Society Start?
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The Spalding Gentlemen's Society began in 1710. A few friends met informally at a local coffee house called Youngers in Spalding. They liked to chat about old things they found and discuss the popular newspaper The Tatler.
In 1712, they decided to make their meetings more official. They called themselves a "Society of Gentlemen, for the supporting of mutual benevolence, and their improvement in the liberal sciences and in polite learning." This means they wanted to help each other and learn more about science and good manners. They started choosing leaders and writing down what happened in their meetings. In 1732, Francis Scott, 2nd Duke of Buccleuch became their special supporter, known as a Patron.
Who Were Some Famous Members?
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Many important and famous people have been members of the Spalding Gentlemen's Society over the years. Here are a few:
- Sir Isaac Newton: A super famous scientist who discovered gravity and laws of motion. He even gave many books to the society.
- Ayuba Suleiman Diallo: A freed slave, a Muslim religious leader, and a nobleman from Senegal.
- Dr William Stukeley: A religious leader and historian who studied ancient sites.
- Sir Hans Sloane: He was the head of the Royal Society, a very important science group. His huge collection of items became the start of the British Museum.
- Alexander Pope: A well-known English poet.
- Sir Joseph Banks: A famous scientist who studied plants and nature. He traveled the world collecting new species.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson: A very important poet in England, known as the Poet Laureate.
- George Vertue: A skilled artist who made engravings.
- John Gay: Another famous poet and playwright.
- Richard Bentley: A brilliant scholar who studied ancient Greek and Latin texts.
- Lord Curzon of Kedleston: A well-known politician and former Viceroy of India.
Gallery of Members
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Isaac Newton
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William Stukeley
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Joseph Banks
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Alfred, Lord Tennyson
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Alexander Pope
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Alexander Gordon
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George Vertue
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John Anstis
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John Gay
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Richard Bentley
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Lord Curzon
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