Robert Fellowes (philanthropist)
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Robert Fellowes | |
|---|---|
 Portrait detail of Robert Fellowes | |
| Born | 1771 |
| Died | 1847 (aged 75–76) |
| Occupation(s) | cleric, journal editor, philanthropist |
| Title | The Reverend |
Robert Fellowes, LL.D. (1771 – 6 February 1847) was an English clergyman, journalist and philanthropist.
His father William Fellowes of Danbury was the eldest son of William Fellowes of Shotesham Park, Norfolk. After attending Felsted School in Essex Fellowes was educated for the church. He matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford in 1788, graduating B.A. at St Mary Hall, where he graduated BA on 30 June 1796, and an MA on 28 January 1801.[1][2]
Fellowes took orders, but seems to have held no preferment. For over six years (1804–11) he edited The Critical Review. He was a close friend of Samuel Parr, who introduced him to the embattled Queen Caroline of Brunswick, whose cause he supported. He is said to have written all her replies to the numerous addresses presented to her in 1820.[1] On the other hand, the positions as the Queen's chaplain and private secretary may have been taken by John Page Wood at some point in 1819.[3]
Francis Maseres left Fellowes at his death in 1824 nearly £200,000. Fellowes erected to the memory of Maseres a monument in Reigate churchyard, with a eulogistic inscription in Latin. He used this fortune in aiding private distress and in forwarding benevolent schemes. In 1826 he gave benefactions to encourage the study of natural philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. He was one of the promoters of London University. Out of gratitude for the professional services of Dr John Elliotson, who held a chair of medicine at University College London he provided there two annual gold medals, the Fellowes Medals, for proficiency in clinical medicine.[1]
Fellowes interested himself in the opening of Regent's Park to the public, and in the emancipation of the Jews. He was an advanced liberal in politics, but drew the line at universal suffrage. In 1828 he purchased The Examiner and made Albany Fonblanque editor. He lectured at the opening of the chapel of the Beaumont Philosophical Institution.[1]
Fellowes died in Dorset Square on 6 February 1847, leaving family. He was buried at Kensal Green on 13 February.[1]
