William Barford facts for kids

William Barford was an English scholar and church leader who lived in the 1700s. He died in November 1792.

William Barford's Early Life and Education

William Barford went to Eton College, a famous school in England. In 1737, he was chosen to study at King's College, Cambridge University. He earned several degrees there: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1742, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1746, and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1771.

His Role at Cambridge University

After finishing his studies, Barford became a tutor at King's College. He also served as a "moderator" three times in the "Sophs' school," which meant he helped oversee student exams. In 1761, he became a "proctor," a university official who helps keep order and manage student behavior.

From 1762 to 1768, Barford held the important job of Public Orator for the university. This role involved giving official speeches, often in Latin, for special events like welcoming important guests or celebrating achievements. He left this job because he wanted to become a Greek professor, but he didn't get the position.

Church Career and Public Service

In 1768, his college gave him a church position, called a "living," in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. A "living" means he was in charge of a church and received an income from it.

The next year, he was appointed Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons by Sir John Cust, who was the Speaker at the time. A chaplain is a minister who serves a specific group or institution. Barford only held this job for one session of Parliament.

When a new Speaker was chosen, they appointed a different chaplain. Barford's friends were worried he wouldn't get the usual promotion that chaplains often received. However, it was decided that he should be considered a chaplain appointed by the whole House of Commons, not just the Speaker. Because of this, on May 9, 1770, the House asked the King to give him an important church title.

As a result, in June 1770, he became a "prebendary" of Canterbury. This meant he was a senior clergyman with a special role and income from the cathedral.

In 1773, he left his position in Fordingbridge for another church role, the rectory of Kimpton, Hertfordshire. He held this job, along with another church position in Allhallows, Lombard Street, until he died in November 1792. He had married in 1764.

Tributes and Recognition

Dr. Jacob Bryant, a well-known scholar, praised William Barford in his book New System of Mythology. Bryant thanked Barford for his help, support, and smart ideas. In a later edition of Bryant's book, Barford was listed as one of his closest friends.

William Barford's Published Works

William Barford wrote several works, mostly in Latin and Greek.

Academic Writings

One of his Latin writings, a detailed study called a "dissertation," was about a poem by the ancient Greek poet Pindar. This work was published in Henry Huntingford's edition of Pindar's writings. This edition also included a short biography of Barford, a list of his works, and praise for his knowledge.

Speeches and Sermons

His other works included poems in Latin and Greek about different political events. He wrote these as part of his job as the Public Orator at Cambridge University. He also gave a Latin speech at the funeral of William George, who was the head of King's College in 1756. In 1784, after becoming a canon of Canterbury, he wrote a "Concio ad Clerum," which is a sermon or speech given to other clergy members.