Identity area
Reference code
Whittaker/Folder 1-5/Folder 3
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 1 July 1833 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
5p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
John William Whittaker was born in Bradford in 1791. He was admitted to St John's College in 1810, taking his BA in 1814 and gaining an MA in 1817. He was a Fellow of the College from 1814-26. In 1821 he was appointed examining chaplain to Charles Manners-Sutton, the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was subsequently made Vicar of Blackburn from 1822 to 1854. His learning was wide, taking in philology, geology and astronomy, and he was involved in the formation of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1820. He wrote a number of important theological studies, including 'An Historical and Critical Inquiry into the Interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures, with Remarks on Mr Bellamy's New Translation,' published in 1819, which brought him to the notice of the archbishop. He married Mary Haughton Feilden in 1825 and together they had eleven children. He died at Blackburn in 1854.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
A.L.s., from St John's College
Describes a stay with the Master, during the annual meeting of the British Association for the promotion of science. Has been to dinners, speeches and other functions. Also has been to a number of musical events which are part of a Music Festival. Hopes to visit Ely Cathedral over the next few days. Is sorry to hear of the death of his cousin, Sarah. Notes the diminishing number of old College friends but also the fact there is enough of them to make the place feel like home. Has bought a shawl of Canton Crepe for his mother and a silk piece for his sister.