Comments
VENN
Adm. pens. (age 18) at MAGDALENE, Mar. 23, 1767. S. of the Rev. Samuel, D.D. (1714), V. of Dersingham, Norfolk. [B. Feb. 4, 1748.] School, Dersingham. ' Matric. Michs. 1767; B.A. 1771; M.A. 1775; travelling Bachelor. Fellow, 1771-5; President, 1775. Protobibliothecarius, 1797-1828. Ord. priest (Peterb.) May 20, 1784. V. of Dersingham, Norfolk, 1784. Prebendary of Lincoln, 1798; of Wells, 1812. V. of Hemsby, Norfolk, 1786 (G. Mag., 1787, I. 278; not found elsewhere). F.S.A., 1797. To great antiquarian and architectural knowledge Kerrich united the most accurate skill as a painter and draughtsman. He was also a miniature-painter and a practised etcher....Mr Kerrich never courted popularity. I have heard him, after his appointment as University Librarian, repeatedly declare that he always considered himself one of the most unpopular men in the University. Having detailed the circumstances preceding and accompanying this election, I feel it quite unnecessary to make any comments on the result. Married Sophia, dau. of Richard Hales, surgeon, of Cambridge. Died May 10, 1828, in Cambridge. Bequeathed his collections to the Fitzwilliam Museum, the British Museum and the Society of Antiquaries. Portrait in the hall at Magdalene. Father of Richard E. (1818). (G. W. Prothero, Henry Bradshaw, 180-3; J. D. Kerrich; D.N.B.; Gunning, II. 78, etc.; Northants. Clergy; G. Mag., 1828, II. 185; E. K. Purnell, Magdalene College, 169.)