John Newton: Correspondence with John Thornton

John Thornton (1720-1790) inherited a large fortune, which he invested in trade, and used to provide generous support to the first generation of 'Evangelicals' and to circulate immense quantities of bibles and religious books throughout the world, many of which were printed at his own expense. He also bought advowsons, which he used to appoint deserving clergymen, such as John Newton (1725-1807). In 1753 Thornton married Lucy (1722-1785), only daughter and heiress of Samuel Watson of Kingston-upon-Hull.

MS.Add.7826/1/A. Letters, 1770-1783, from John Newton to John Thornton and his wife, 77 items. MS.Add.7826/1/B. Letters, 1772, from John Thornton to John Newton, 4 items.

Presented by John Thornton, 1970.

Please cite as Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, John Newton: Correspondence with John Thornton, MS Add.7826

Cambridge University Library holds further correspondence between John Thornton and John Newton, 1772-1778, MS.Add.7674/1/A and B.

Microfilm available