Robertus Dixon
Robertus de Fenwicke Dixon was an English clergyman and theologian best known as the last Lord Prebendary of Rochester. He is the great grandfather of the famous surveyor Jeremiah Dixon and thrice great uncle to Sir Raylton Dixon.
Robert Dixon | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 17 July 1647 |
| Died | 20 January 1733 (aged 85) |
| Nationality | United Kingdom |
| Known for | Last Prebendary of Rochester |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy, theology |
| Institutions | Anglican |
Early life
Dixon was born in Rothbury, Northumberland, to Baronet Sir James Dixon 2nd Baronet Hyewortone and Lady Catherine Fenwicke. His father James Dixon was a successful merchant and landowner of Scottish Border Reiver descent, who made his fortune trading in Ontario, Canada. His mother was the daughter of Sir William Fenwick, 2nd Baronet, and also a wealthy heiress following the death of her brother Sir John Fenwick 3rd Baronet 1701. He was sent to Magdalen College, Oxford to study for the priesthood age 14.
Prebendary of Rochester
Dixon secured large estates in Rochester from John Wilmot in the name of the Church, vastly increasing the wealth of the Clergy, including himself, who was made Lord Prebendary of Rochester by the Bishop of Rochester.
He married Lady Anne Lindsay in 1702. They had two children, Sir Robert Dixon 4th Baronet and George Dixon.