John Brent (antiquary)

Brent was born in Rotherhithe, London on 21 August 1808, and was the eldest son of a father of the same name, a shipbuilder there, who about the year 1821 removed to Canterbury, and became thrice mayor of the city and deputy-lieutenant of the county.

[1] In his early days Brent carried on the business of a miller, occupied for many years a seat on the council of the Canterbury corporation, and was elected an alderman, but resigned that position on being appointed city treasurer.

[2] During the course of a long life, Brent was indefatigable in his attempts to throw light on the history of the city and county in which he dwelt.

His work Canterbury in the Olden Time, 8vo, (enlarged edition in 1879), from its research and originality, bears testimony to his unwearied industry and his ability as an antiquarian topographer.

[2] Brent also claims notice as a poet and novelist, having published:[2] Numerous tales, poems, and miscellaneous articles from his pen are also to be found in the various magazines devoted to light literature.