Thomas Broughton (writer) facts for kids

Thomas Broughton (1704–1774) was an English clergyman, which means he was a leader in the Anglican Church. He was also a writer who wrote biographies and other different kinds of books. One of his most famous works was writing the words (called a libretto) for Handel's opera Hercules.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Broughton was born in London on July 5, 1704. His father was a rector, a type of church leader, at St. Andrew's, Holborn. Thomas went to Eton, a famous school, and then studied at Cambridge around 1723. He joined Gonville and Caius College there.

Becoming a Clergyman

In 1727, after earning his first degree, he became a deacon. This is the first step to becoming a priest in the church. In 1728, he became an ordained priest and completed his master's degree.

Church Career

Broughton worked for several years as a curate in Offley, Hertfordshire. A curate helps the main priest in a church. In 1739, he became the rector of Stepington, Huntingdonshire. The Duke of Bedford, who was the patron of the church, also made him one of his chaplains. A chaplain is a priest who serves a specific person or institution.

Later, he became a reader at the Temple in London. There, he impressed Bishop Sherlock. In 1744, Bishop Sherlock gave him the important role of vicar of Bedminster, near Bristol. This role also included leading services at St. Mary Redcliffe and other chapels. Bishop Sherlock also helped him get a prebend in Salisbury Cathedral. A prebend is a special position in a cathedral that comes with an income. After this, Broughton moved from London to Bristol, where he passed away on December 21, 1774.

His Writings

Thomas Broughton was a very busy writer. He wrote many different types of books and articles.

Major Works

In 1742, he published a huge two-volume book called Historical Dictionary of all Religions from the Creation of the World to the Present Times. He also translated books by famous writers like Voltaire and parts of Pierre Bayle's Dictionary. He wrote to defend Christian beliefs and even changed a Roman Catholic book to be used by Protestants. He also edited works by John Dryden and wrote about the idea of the immortality of the soul. He contributed many biographies to the Biographia Britannica, a large collection of British biographies.

Don Quixote Translation

Some people believe Broughton played a big part in translating the famous book Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes into English. John Hawkins, who wrote a book about Samuel Johnson, said that Jarvis was supposed to translate it. However, Jarvis, who was a painter, found it hard to write. So, a bookseller suggested that Broughton help. Broughton studied Spanish and helped create the translation that was published under Jarvis's name.

Music and Handel

Broughton loved music and was friends with the famous composer Handel. He wrote the words (libretto) for some of Handel's musical works. One of his most notable contributions was the libretto for the drama Hercules. This work was first performed in 1745 at the Haymarket. Handel's biographer, Paul Henry Lang, praised Broughton's libretto. He said it had "good theatrical sense" and focused on the main story of jealousy, removing unnecessary parts.

Personality

In his personal life, Broughton was known to be a kind and friendly person. When he was involved in debates, he was polite for his time. However, he was careful about agreeing with his opponents. Some people described him as a writer who was sometimes easily convinced by things and not always critical enough.