Note 194 — JOURNAL OF ELIZABETH LADY HOLLAND (continued 4)

Gilbert Wakefield (1756–1801) was son of a Nottinghamshire clergyman. He took the highest possible classical honours at Cambridge, and was intended for the Church. He developed, however, leanings towards Arian doctrines, which precluded him from taking orders. He published a number of works on the classics, and his correspondence with Fox on those subjects appeared in Lord Russell’s work. His political opinions became very advanced as years went on, and brought trouble upon him on this occasion. He was convicted, with his printer and publisher, of seditious libel, and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in Dorchester gaol. He died soon after his release.