Martineau, James (1805-1900)

Martineau, James

PHILOSOPHER, THEOLOGIAN (ENGLAND)

BORN 21 Apr 1805, Norwich, Norfolk - DIED 11 Jan 1900, London
GRAVE LOCATION London: Highgate Cemetery East, Swain's Lane, Highgate

James Martineau was a son of the textile manufacturer Thomas Martineau (1764-1826). The author Harriet Martineau (1802-1876) was his sister. He was educated at Norwich Grammar School where Edward Valpy was his teacher. He was too sensitive for this schol and studied for two years under Lant Carpenter in Bristol. After an apprenticement to a civil engineer in Derby he entered the dissenting academy Manchester College in 1822 and continued his studies in York.

In 1827 he returned to Bristol to teach at Lant Carpenter's school but in 1828 he was ordained for a Unitarian Church in Bristol. After the senior minister in Dublin died his annual grant for poor Nonconformists went over to Martineau in 1832. He felt he couldn't accept this support from the state and left his position.

From Dublin he went to Liverpool and in 1840 he was appointed Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and Political Economy in Manchester New College. He held this position for 45 years and was the principal of the college from 1869 to 1885. In 1853 he published "Rationale of Religious Enquiry" that widely attracted attention.

The college moved to London in 1853 and in 1857 he moved to London as well. In 1858 he also became the preacher of Little Portland Street Chapel for fourteen years. In 1889 the college moved again, this time to Oxford. He had opposed this move, but he still conducted the communion service on 19 October 1893 when the new location was opened. He died in 1900 in London.

Family
• Daughter: Martineau, Edith
• Daughter: Martineau, Gertrude

Related persons
• was painted by Martineau, Edith
• is brother/sister of Martineau, Harriet

Images

The grave of James Martineau and Edith Martineau at Highgate Cemetery East, London.
Picture by Androom (16 Apr 2024)