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William Backhouse


(b. Unknown, Kent, England – d. 1788, Canterbury, Kent )

Gender: M

William Backhouse (d.1788) was Rector of Deal and Archdeacon of Canterbury. Montagu Pennington’s footnote to Carter’s letter to Montagu of 22 November 1787 describes him as “a gentleman much respected for learning, general knowledge, and hospitality. As an Archdeacon, he was singularly useful to, and regretted by, his clergy. His table was always open to them, he was always ready to give them his assistance and advice, and no man was better acquainted with the laws and duties relating to his important station than he was”. Elizabeth Carter’s father, Rev Nicolas Carter, was his perpetual curate, and actually carried out the clerical functions in the church and the parish. On his death, his position as master of Eastbridge Hospital in Canterbury passed to Rev William Gregory, younger son of Dr John Gregory, who was one of the six preachers in Canterbury Cathedral. He was buried in the chancel of St Andrew’s Church in Deal.

Also known as:

  • William Backhouse




Please note that all dates and location information are provisional, initially taken from the library and archive catalogues. As our section editors continue to work through the material we will update our database and the changes will be reflected across the edition.

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