William Gunn (writer)

William Gunn (1750–1841) was an English clergyman and miscellaneous writer.

Life

Gunn was born on 7 April 1750 in

In 1795 he obtained the degree of

• (ed., anon.) Extracts, describing the ancient manner of placing the kingdom in military array : the various modes of defence adopted for its safety in periods of danger : and the evidence of foreigners as to the national character and personal bravery of the English : taken from original state papers of the sixteenth century collected on the continent, and hitherto inedited, 1803
• The "Historia Brittonum", commonly attributed to Nennius : from a manuscript lately discovered in the library of the Vatican Palace at Rome ; edited in the tenth century by Mark the Hermit ; with an English version, facsimile of the original, notes and illustrations by the Rev. W. Gunn, B. D. rector of Irstead, Norfolk, 1819.
• An Inquiry into the Origin and Influence of Gothic Architecture, 8vo, London: Longman, 1819.
• Cartonensia; or, an Historical and Critical Account of the Tapestries in the Palace of the Vatican; copied from the designs of Raphael, etc. To which are subjoined Remarks on the Causes which retard the Progress of the higher Departments of the Art of Painting in this Country, 8vo, London, 1831 (2nd ed., 1832).
• Michael Riviere, MA., “The Rev. William Gunn B.D., A Norfolk Parson on the Grand Tour”, in: Norfolk Archaeology, or miscellaneous tracts relating to the antiquities of the County of Norfolk, vol. XXXIII, 1965,Part III, pp.351-378, & Part IV, pp.379-398. A comprehensive account of his life with many of his letters and sections from his journals published for the first time.
• Exhibition Guide. The Archive of Revd William Gunn. An Exhibition to celebrate its Acquisition by the Norfolk Record Office 19 January- 28 February 2007.(downloadable PDF file http://www.archives.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC099325 )
• Last Will and Testament. William Gunn, Clerk, Smallburgh, 1841

Original register held by Norfolk Record Office (NRO: NCC, will register, Traxton, 203) (downloadable PDF file http://www.norfolkwills.co.uk/1841-001.pdf ) (Transcript © Colin Gilbert)

References

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Gunn, William". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.