Richard Laughton (1670?–1723)[1] was an English churchman and academic, now known as a natural philosopher and populariser of the ideas of Isaac Newton.
He had the backing of Simon Patrick, the bishop of Ely, in college matters, who wrote to the Master of Clare, Samuel Blythe, on his behalf in 1697.
[6] Samuel Clarke, in the preface to his edition of Jacques Rohault's treatise on Physics, acknowledged his obligation to Laughton.
[11] William Whiston called Laughton a friend and excellent tutor; and recorded his vain efforts to turn him back from his adoption of Arianism.
It was to Laughton that Lady Masham addressed a well-known letter describing the closing scene of John Locke's life.
That year he was, as proctor, a prominent reformer of academic discipline; his efforts involved him in clashes with other leading members of the university, including Conyers Middleton and Thomas Gooch, who found him officious.
[13] The incident with Middleton was a party at the Rose Tavern, and involved drinking the health of the high Tory Henry Sacheverell on 3 July 1710, which Laughton reported to the authorities.
[14] The political atmosphere ahead of the general election of October 1710 was fraught: Laughton was a known Whig militant, and his action brought a tit-for-tat reprisal by Tories.
Laughton and Parker's agent Thomas Bell were heavily involved in supporting candidates for head of house, such as John Davies of Queens'.
He published some verses, and left in manuscript his speech, as senior proctor, in the bachelors' schools, and On Natural Religion.