Rowland Hill (1744-1833), preacher and supporter of vaccination

  • Hill, Rowland, 1744-1833.
Date:
Late 18th century - early 19th century
Reference:
MS.8837
  • Archives and manuscripts

About this work

Description

Two undated letters, to William Wilberforce (from 24 November) and to 'Mrs. Wathen' (?), on vaccinations and his wife's health. The letters may date from the late 18th or early 19th century.

Publication/Creation

Late 18th century - early 19th century

Physical description

1 file (2 items)

Contributors

Acquisition note

Purchased from Sotheby's, London, June 1927 (acc.57012) and from Henry Bristow, May 1992 (acc.348919).

Biographical note

Rowland Hill was born at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire in 1744. He was educated at Eton College and later studied at St John's College in Cambridge. After being converted to evangelical faith by his older brother, he formed a religious society at Cambridge nad went on to preach for four years after getting his BA in 1769.

In 1773 Hill married Mary Tudway (1747–1830), with whom he settled at Wotton under Edge. he was preaching all his life and opened new places of worship.

In Gloucestershire he met Edward Jenner and became a keen advocate of vaccination. He wrote a tract on the subject, in 1806 opened a clinic attached to Surrey Chapel in London (where he spent most of the year) and personally vaccinated thousands of children. He died in Surrey Chapel House on 11 April 1833 and was buried there.

Related material

At Wellcome Collection:

MS.5232, MS.4303, MS.4305.

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Where to find it

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