Author: Lawrence, W. L.
Biography:
LAWRENCE, W. L. (fl 1824)
Only one publication is identified on its title-page as the work of “W. L. Lawrence Esq.,” but that is the ambitious epic poem The Powers and Progress of Human Intellect (1824), with an earnest introduction extolling the powers of intellect in a Godwinian way as holding the promise of universal happiness and prosperity if only nations would make “education and enlightenment” their priorities. It is dated from a London address, 17 Shaftesbury Place, Aldersgate St., and the author writes of his habit of visiting the tombs of great men, such as Milton, in sites around the capital. The following identification of the author is tentative but if it is correct 1824 marked a turning-point in his life in several ways. The most likely candidate is Walter Lawrence Lawrence (1799-1877), Lord of the Manor of Sevenhampton, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He was baptised Walter Lawrence Morris on 25 June 1799 at Hempsted, Gloucestershire, the son of Mary Lawrence and her husband William Morris. In 1823 he inherited through his mother’s family the estate of Sandywell Park, Northleach, Gloucester, and took the surname Lawrence. On 9 July 1824 he married Mary Splidt (1806-89) at her home parish of Stratford, Essex. They had six children between 1826 and 1843, all of whom grew to maturity. As wealthy landowners they hosted race meetings, were active in local affairs, and stayed in fashionable hotels during the London season. It may be a sign of progressive views and philanthropic motives consistent with The Powers and Progress of Human Intellect that Lawrence allowed Sandywell to be used as a sanitorium from 1847 onwards, though his heir reclaimed it in 1883. He died at Sevenhampton on 3 Dec. 1877 and was buried there on 10 Dec. He left personal property valued at under £2000. (ancestry.com 12 Dec. 2023; findmypast.com 12 Dec. 2023; Bury and Norwich Post 4 Aug. 1824; Morning Post 18 Dec. 1829; “Sandywell Park,” Wikipedia 12 Dec. 2023)