Thomas Robinson (1749–1813) facts for kids
Thomas Robinson (1749–1813) was an English clergyman. He was well-known for his books called Scripture Characters. These books talked about important people from the Bible.
Contents
Thomas Robinson's Life Story
Thomas Robinson was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, on September 10, 1749. He was the fourth son of James Robinson, who was a hosier. A hosier was someone who sold socks and stockings.
Early Education and College Years
Young Thomas went to the Wakefield grammar school. In 1768, he started studying at Trinity College, Cambridge. He joined as a sizar. A sizar was a student who received financial help. They often helped with chores around the college to pay for their studies.
In April 1771, Thomas became a scholar at his college. This meant he was recognized for his good grades and received support. In 1772, he graduated as the seventh wrangler. A wrangler was a student who scored very high in math exams at Cambridge. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1775. Later that year, he became a fellow of his college. A fellow is a senior member of the college, often a teacher or researcher.
Becoming a Clergyman
Around 1772, Thomas Robinson became a priest. He served in two churches, Witcham and Wichford, in the Isle of Ely. From 1773 to 1778, he taught afternoon lessons at All Saints' Church in Leicester. He also worked as a chaplain at the local infirmary, which was a hospital.
In 1778, he was given a new teaching position at St. Mary's Church in Leicester. Later that same year, he became the vicar of St. Mary's. A vicar is the main priest in a church. He started many charities there to help people in need.
His Final Years
Thomas Robinson passed away in Leicester on March 24, 1813. He was buried on March 29 in the main part of St. Mary's Church. His friend, Edward Thomas Vaughan, gave the sermon at his funeral. Vaughan later wrote a book about Robinson's life in 1815. Another minister, Robert Hall, also wrote about Robinson's important work in Leicester.
Thomas Robinson's Books
At St. Mary's Church, Thomas Robinson began giving talks about people from the Bible in 1784. These talks became very popular. The first ones appeared in a magazine called Theological Miscellany.
Scripture Characters
All of his talks were eventually put together into a book series. This series was called Scripture Characters. The first four books were published in 1793. This collection became very famous. It was reprinted many times, with the tenth edition coming out in 1815. A shorter version was also published in 1816.
He also wrote another book called The Christian System Unfolded. This book had essays about Christian beliefs and duties. It was published in three volumes in 1805. He wrote some shorter pieces too. All of his collected Works were published in eight volumes in London in 1814.
His Family Life
Thomas Robinson was married two times. His first wife passed away in 1791. They had a son named Thomas (1790–1873). This son later became the master of the Temple Church in London.
In 1797, Thomas Robinson married again. His second wife was the widow of James Gerard. Gerard had been the Warden of Wadham College, Oxford.
