Biography of Gilbert White

Gilbert White was a cleric noted for his “Natural History of Selbourne”.

When and Where was he Born?

18th July 1720, Selbourne, Hampshire, England.

Family Background:

Gilbert White was the eldest Son of John White and Anne daughter of Thomas Holt, Rector of Streatham in Surrey.

Education:

Basingstoke School. Oriel College, Oxford.

Timeline of Gilbert White:

1744: White is elected a Fellow of Oriel College.

1747: He takes holy orders.

1752: Gilbert White is admitted as one of the Senior Proctors of the University.

1758: His life is secured when he obtains the sinecure from a college living at Moreton Pinkney in Northamptonshire.

1769: His “Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne”, a work recording the natural world in his parish is largely complete but it was not to be published for another twenty years, with the addition of letters about local and antiquarian affairs.

17989: Publication of the book by which he has become world famous, “Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne”.

1793: Dies.

Written Works:

1789: “Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne”.

When and Where did he Die?

26th June 1793, at home Selbourne, Hampshire, England.

Age at Death:

73.

Marriage:

Never Married.

Site of Grave:

St. Mary’s Churchyard, Selbourne, Hampshire.

Places of Interest:

HAMPSHIRE:

The Wakes House and White Museum, Selborne. (White designed the garden).
St. Mary’s Church has a stained glass window in his memory.