Barrett, John, ? 1753-1821 (classical scholar and eccentric)
Dates
- Existence: ? 1753 - 1821
Biography
John Barrett (?1753/4-1821), classical scholar and eccentric, was born in Ballyroan, Queen's County and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated with a BA in 1775. He was elected as senior fellow in 1791 and held various positions within the college throughout his life, including vice-provost. Barrett published 'An enquiry into the origins of the constellations that compose the zodiac, and the uses they were intended to promote' in 1800 and 'Evangelium secundum Mattaeum', also known as 'Codex Z Dublinensis rescriptus', in 1801. He had a reputation as being rather eccentric due to his miserly ways, his lack of grasp of the English language, and for being regarded as a hermit until the day he died in November 1821.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
John Barrett: Historical Collections relative to Trinity College, Dublin
Copied in the hand of 'Dobbs' from the manuscripts of the Revd Doctor John Barrett, vice-provost of Trinity College. Includes marginal additions by Doctor [J. H.] Todd. fos. 174-240: blank.