Taylor White facts for kids
Taylor White (born December 21, 1701 – died March 27, 1772) was an important person in British history. He was a judge, someone who studied nature, and a collector of art. He was also a member of the Royal Society, which is a famous group for scientists.
Taylor White helped many talented artists who drew animals and plants. Some of these artists were Peter Paillou, George Edwards, Benjamin Wilkes, and Georg Dionysius Ehret. He also helped start the Foundling Hospital in London, which was a home for children. He worked there as a leader for many years.
Early Life and Law Career
Taylor White was born in a small village called Wallingwells in Nottinghamshire. He was one of five children. His father, Thomas White, was a Member of Parliament. This meant he helped make laws for the country. His grandfather, Richard Taylor, was also an important person in the government.
In 1720, Taylor White began studying law at Lincoln's Inn. He became a lawyer in 1727. He worked as a lawyer in different parts of England. Later, he became a judge. He was a Circuit Judge in North Wales starting in 1750. Then, in 1760, he became a Puisne Justice of Chester. This was a high position for a judge.
Helping the Foundling Hospital
Taylor White was a good friend of Thomas Coram, who was a kind person who wanted to help others. White worked very hard to raise money for Coram's Foundling Hospital. This hospital was a special home for babies and young children who needed care. It opened in 1739.
White became one of the first leaders of the hospital. The first children arrived at the hospital on March 25, 1741. Taylor White was there to welcome them. He became a very important part of the hospital. From 1745 until he died, he was the hospital's treasurer. This meant he managed all the money. He also helped open another branch of the hospital in Ackworth, West Yorkshire.
A painting of Taylor White by Francis Cotes used to hang in the hospital. It showed him working on his ledgers, which are books for keeping financial records. This painting is now at the Foundling Museum. Taylor White loved art and helped the hospital build its famous art collection. He asked many famous artists to give their work to the hospital. He also ordered a large painting for the hospital's meeting room.
Family Life
Taylor White inherited his family's large estates, including Wallingwells, after his older brother John White passed away in 1769.
Taylor White married Anne Errington on May 1, 1729. Sadly, she died just seventeen months later in October 1730. They did not have any children.
He married again on September 18, 1739. His second wife was Frances Armstrong. Her father, Major-General John Armstrong, was a very important military leader. He worked closely with the Duke of Marlborough. He also held many important jobs, like being the Chief Engineer of England.
Taylor and Frances White had several children:
- John (born 1740 – died 1752); he passed away from a cold he caught at school.
- Anne (born 1742 – died 1819); she lived to be 77 years old.
- Taylor (born 1743 – died 1795).
- Frances (born 1745 – died 1806); she passed away in her home in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
- Thomas (born 1747 – died 1786); he passed away in Bath and never married.
- Mary (born 1748 – died 1750).
- Stephen (born 1750 – died 1824); he had many descendants.
- John (born 1755 – died 1762).
Taylor White passed away on March 27, 1772. He was buried in his family's church in Tuxford.
His Legacy
Taylor White had a large collection of 938 watercolor paintings. These paintings showed many different animals, including mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. This amazing collection is now kept at the McGill University Library. You can even see digital pictures of them online!
