The Baronial Halls, and Ancient Picturesque Edifices of England; Vol. 2 of 2Hall, S. C. (Samuel Carter)
History
The Baronial Halls, and Ancient Picturesque Edifices of England; Vol. 2 of 2
Hall, S. C. (Samuel Carter)
Historic buildings -- England
[43] Sir Adam Newton was a native of Scotland, advanced to the Deanery
of Durham in 1606, which dignity, though not in orders, he held till
1620, when he resigned it, “being, in April of that year, created a
Baronet.” His appointment as tutor to Prince Henry commenced in 1599
or 1600. “He was,” according to Dr. Birch, (Life of Henry Prince of
Wales,) “thoroughly qualified for the office assigned him, both by
his genius and his skill in the learned and other languages; and was
distinguished by the neatness and perspicuity of his Latin style,
shewn by his translation of King James’s Discourse against Conrade
Vorstius.” In 1610 Mr. Adam Newton was appointed Secretary to the
Prince when his Royal Highness “settled his household.” The Prince,
to the universal grief of the nation, died in 1612. All contemporary
historians unite in his praise. The anecdote so often told of him is
a key to his admirable character. When urged to be wrathful with a
butcher whose dog had killed a stag he was chasing, and so spoiled his
sport--“Away,” said he, “all the pleasure in the world is not worth an
oath.” “He was gentle and affable; but, however, in his carriage had
a noble stateliness, without affectation, which commanded esteem and
respect. He was courteous, loving and affable; naturally modest and
even shame-faced; most patient, which he shewed both in life and death;
slow to anger; merciful to offenders, after a little punishment to make
them sensible of their faults: in brief, a character that approaches
nearer to perfection, is not to be found in history.” His death was
mourned by “all the muses;” funeral dirges to his memory were written
by Donne, Webster, Chapman, Brown, Drummond of Hawthornden, and a score
of other poets.
[44] Evelyn makes frequent mention of the venerable mansion, in
connection with his “excellent friend,” Sir Henry Newton, the son
and successor of Sir Adam. At that time the property belonged to Sir
William Ducie.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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