Edward Smedley

Edward Smedley by his wife Hannah, fourth daughter of George Bellas of Willey, Surrey, was born in the Sanctuary, Westminster, on 12 September 1788.

He was elected to a fellowship of Sidney Sussex College in 1812, and won the Seatonian prize for English verse in 1813, 1814, 1827, and 1828.

In 1819 he resigned his appointment of clerk in orders of St. James's parish, and took to teaching in addition to his literary and clerical work.

By his wife Mary, youngest daughter of James Hume of Wandsworth Common, Surrey, secretary of the customs, he had several children.

The Tribute: a Collection of Miscellaneous unpublished Poems by various Authors, London, 1837, was edited by the Marquess of Northampton for the benefit of Smedley's family.

Smedley also wrote: These last three poems were republished under the title of Religio Clerici: two Epistles by a Churchman, with Notes; a new edition, London, 1821.