Born in Masborough[4] near Rotherham, in 1762, Rhodes served a seven-year apprenticeship in the cutlery trade from 1777,[3] despite a strong interest in reading and the theatre.

In August, the members gave their president a gold cup to acknowledge his public services in establishing the Institution.

John Pye Smith, a theological writer, and James Montgomery, a Christian poet and philanthropist.

[5] In 1818 Rhodes published the first part of a folio edition of his Peak Scenery, or the Derbyshire Tourist, dedicated to the Duke of Devonshire and illustrated by F.L.Chantrey.

A fund was raised for his support, to which Montgomery subscribed £100, while Chantrey privately gave Rhodes £50 a year.