Thomas Wilson (schoolmaster) facts for kids
Thomas Wilson (1747–1813) was an English church leader and teacher. He was best known as the headmaster of Clitheroe grammar school.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Wilson was born on December 3, 1747, in a place called Priest Hutton, near Lancaster. His parents were William and Isabella Wilson.
He went to two different schools when he was young: Archbishop Hutton's Grammar School and Sedbergh Grammar School. At Sedbergh, he even worked as an assistant teacher from 1768 to 1771.
Becoming a Cleric and Teacher
Thomas Wilson decided to become a cleric, which is a leader in the church. He became a deacon on January 13, 1771, and then a priest on August 2, 1772.
In June 1772, he became the headmaster of Slaidburn grammar school. A few years later, in June 1775, he moved to Clitheroe grammar school in Lancashire to become its headmaster. He also became the leader of the local church in Clitheroe.
Further Studies and New Roles
In 1779, Wilson started studying at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned a special degree there in 1795.
Later, in 1807, he was given a new church role as the rector of Claughton, near Lancaster. A former student of his, Thomas Fenwick, helped him get this position.
Friends and Hobbies
Towards the end of the 1700s, Thomas Wilson became good friends with Thomas Dunham Whitaker. They were part of a group that enjoyed talking about books and writing.
Wilson was a very successful teacher. He also enjoyed writing poems and was known for being witty and telling good stories. He especially liked making jokes with words, called "puns."
His Later Years and Passing
Thomas Wilson passed away on March 3, 1813. He was buried in the church at Bolton-by-Bowland. A special stone tablet was placed there with a Latin message written by his friend, Thomas Whitaker. This message was a copy of one put up by Wilson's students in Clitheroe church.
His Published Works
Thomas Wilson wrote several things during his life:
- In 1782, he published a book called Archæological Dictionary, or Classical Antiquities of Jews, Greeks, and Romans. This book was about the ancient history of Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures. He dedicated it to the famous writer Samuel Johnson.
- Two of his sermons, which are speeches given in church, were printed in 1789 and 1804.
- He also wrote poems, including a collection called Lancashire Bouquet. These poems were first shared as handwritten copies. Later, in 1857, they were collected and printed along with his letters by Francis Robert Raines for the Chetham Society.
His Family Life
On April 29, 1775, Thomas Wilson married Susannah Tetlow. She was a widow from Skirden. At the time of their marriage, Susannah was 44 years old, and Thomas was 28.
