Benjamin Fawcett (minister)

In March 1741 Doddridge sent him to Whitchurch and Chester to collect evidence for an alibi in the case of Bryan Connell, then under sentence of death for murder (executed 3 April).

Job Orton, who retired to Kidderminster in 1766, was scandalised when a drum-major of the Northamptonshire militia was allowed to preach in Fawcett's pulpit.

In July 1780 Fawcett was prostrated by illness; the disease was supposed to be the stone, but was in reality an ulcer.

On his death his congregation divided, the Independents retaining the meeting-house, and an Arian secession building a new place of worship.

His major pieces were: Fawcett's son Samuel was ordained at Beaminster, Dorset in 1777; he became a Unitarian, and retired from the ministry, living on his private estate near Bridport.