Comments
VENN
Adm. pens. at ST JOHN'S, Dec. 29, 1774. [S. of the Rev. Richard (1727), V. of Faversham. B. there, Dec. 10, 1757. Schools, Faversham and King's, Canterbury. (Dr Osmond Beauvoir). ' Matric. Easter, 1778; Scholar, 1775; B.A. (2nd Wrangler, 2nd Smith's prize), 1779; Members' prize, 1780, 1781; M.A. 1782; B.D. 1792; D.D., per Lit. Reg., 1808. Fellow, 1779-1807; Junior Bursar, 1801-2. Lived for some years at Leipzig, where he pursued his studies in theology. Ord. deacon (Ely) May 16, 1780. Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, 1807-39. R. of Bedwas, Monmouthshire (in commendam) 1816. Bishop of Llandaff, 1816-19; of Peterborough, 1819-39. F.R.S., 1807. Married July 1, 1807, at Harwich, Marianne Emilie Charlotte, dau. of John Lecarrière, of Leipzig, merchant. Regarded as the outstanding man of letters and divine in Cambridge, and the foremost Bishop on the Bench. By his writings introduced into theological study at Cambridge a more scientific and liberal form of Biblical criticism. Opposed the establishment of the Bible Society in Cambridge. Delivered his professorial lectures in English, and not, as hitherto, in Latin; his first course was given in Great St Mary's instead of the Divinity Schools, so as to accommodate the crowded audience, which listened to him with rapture. A good chess player. A vigorous and pugnacious pamphleteer and controversialist. Author, Comparative View of the Churches of England and Rome; Horae Pelasgicae, etc. Wrote also many controversial pamphlets and criticisms in opposition to Simeon and Milner. Became insane. Died May 1, 1839 at Peterborough; buried in the Cathedral. For an exhaustive account of his writings and controversies, see Baker-Mayor, History of St John's College, II. 735-89. Father of the next and of George H. (1831). (St John's Coll. Adm., IV. 373; Foster, Index Eccles.; Cant. Act Book; D.N.B.; C.U. Hist. Reg.; Gunning, Reminiscences.)