Newton, Thomas, 1719-1807

Thomas Newton was born 21 December 1719. He was educated at the 'Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral' in London. Instead of going into business, Newton was educated by a tutor and subsequently devoted his life to his writings and to the affairs of his friends. His literary works included a novel, James and Julia , Grammar and Literary Criticism and Religious History . On the death of his father in 1757 Thomas Newton moved to Westminster. Having no children or close relatives late in his life, Thomas Newton had decided to bequeath his inheritance to a charitable institution. Originally he had intended to leave his estate to the Marine Society. However, on hearing of the foundation of the Literary Fund (created in 1790, later, the Royal Literary Fund) Newton decided to bequeath his inheritance to them instead. He died on 5 February 1807. The General Committee of the Royal Literary Fund were both the executors and trustees of the Thomas Newton bequest. By about 1830 the duties of the executors had ceased. However, as trustees of the Thomas Newton bequest, the Royal Literary Fund were still dealing with issues generated by Newton's property in the East End of London until 1954.