Zouch, Thomas, 1737-1815

Henry Zouch (b.1725?-1795) and Thomas Zouch (1737-1815) were sons of Charles Zouch, vicar of Sandal near Wakefield. Both went to Trinity College, Cambridge, as pensioners, though Thomas was the greater scholar of the two, eventually graduating as Doctor of Divinity when he was 68 years old. Henry's scholarship took the form of antiquarian pursuits and he also became something of a social reformer and commentator, writing on subjects such as the police and prisons, and some of his verses were attached to the Works of his brother. He was chaplain to the Marchioness of Rockingham and letters to him from the Marquis have been calendared by the Historical Manuscripts Commission. He also followed his father into the post of vicar of Wakefield and held this until his death in 1795, when his brother followed in his turn. Thomas had spent his life first as a scholar in Cambridge until 1770 when he was forced, through overwork, to retreat to the parish of Wycliffe in North Yorkshire. His career was advanced with the help of William Lowther and Pitt. From Wycliffe and then Sandal he continued scholarship and is best known for his work on Izaak Walton, published posthumously in 1823. Of the two brothers he was the more conservative and was said to have been offered the archbishopric of York towards the end of his life. By contrast, Henry was considered a bit `odd', a reputation he failed to dispel by being buried in his own garden.

From the guide to the Letters of Thomas Zouch and Henry Zouch, 1782, c.1792, (Hull University, Brynmor Jones Library)

Epithet: DD

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000676.0x00013b