| Historian was the pride of
his times
March
16, 2004
Kirkpatrick Road
(Mile Cross Road)
ONE of the great Norwich historians, John Kirkpatrick's
work opened many windows into life in the city and county
during the turbulent 18th century.
 He
was a linen merchant who lived in St Andrews before
his death at the age of 42 during the summer of 1728.
His father, Thomas, came from Dumfriesshire in Scotland
and married Ann Sendall at Haveringland in May 1686.
It is thought he was a farmer who moved down to start
a new life in Norfolk.
They later settled in the parish of St Stephen’s
and worshipped at the Octagon Chapel. John (pictured)
went on to establish himself as a linen merchant in
St Andrew’s Street opposite Bridewell Alley.
He was there in partnership with Mr John Custance,
who was Mayor of Norwich in 1726.
All his adult life, he took an enormous interest in
the history of Norwich and was a talented writer. He
collected items, wrote and researched. So many people
went to him for help.
He was appointed treasurer of the Great Hospital and
his brother Thomas was made Chamberlain of the City
in 1732 at a salary of £30 a year — a tidy
sum.
John married Ann, the youngest daughter of John Harvey,
a well-known Norwich merchant.
By the time of his death, he had a reputation as a great
antiquarian.
He was described as “one of the most able, laborious,
learned and useful antiquaries whom the county has produced”.
Because he died so early, he was not able to publish
a lot of his work.
In his will he left his documents to his brother on
condition they were handed over to the City Treasury
when he died. John also left 40 shillings to the poor
of St Clement’s parish “where I served my
apprenticeship”, 40s to the poor of St Stephen’s
“where my father dwelt many years” and a
further 40s to the poor of the Presbyterian Congregation
in Norwich.
He was buried under a black marble slab by the altar
steps in St Helen’s Church with the words: “He
was a man of sound judgement, good understanding and
extensive knowledge.”
Others warned later: “May this memorial of him
never be defaced, removed or disturbed by so-called
‘restorers’.” Wise words.
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