Richard Fenton


Richard Fenton was a Welsh lawyer, topographer and poet.

Biography

Fenton was born in January 1747 in St David's, Pembrokeshire, and was baptised in St David's Cathedral on 20 February 1747, "being then a month old". He was educated at the cathedral school, and at an early age obtained a situation in London in the custom house. Later he entered the Middle Temple, and studied for the legal profession. After being called to the bar he attended the circuits in Wales for several years.
Subsequently he devoted his time to literary pursuits; he was a friend of Oliver Goldsmith and Sir Richard Colt Hoare. He travelled throughout Wales, studying local records and publishing several topographical volumes. After a merchant uncle died, he took over his mercantile fleet. Fenton died at his home at Plas Glynamel, Fishguard, in November 1821, and was buried nearby at Manorowen.

Works

Fenton's works include:
Fenton also left comedies in manuscript, and manuscript materials for the history of every county in Wales.

Family

Fenton married Eloise, the daughter of David Pillet, a Swiss military officer.