WHARTON (Henry), a learned English divine, was born in 1664, at Worstead in Norfolk, of which parish his father was vicar. He studied at Gonville and Caius college, Cambridge, where he prosecuted his studies with great vigour; and was instructed in the mathematics by Mr Isaac Newton, amongst a select company to whom that great man taught that science in his own private chamber. He afterwards assisted Dr William Cave in compiling his Historia Literaria, and at length became tutor to the only son of the Lord Arundel. In 1678, he distinguished himself by publishing several pieces in defence of the Protestant religion; and, though as yet no more than a deacon, was honoured by archbishop Sancroft with a licence for preaching through the whole province of Canterbury, and was also made one of the archbishop's chaplains. The same year he obtained the vicarage of Minster in the Isle of Thanet, and afterwards the rectory of Chartham; but died in the 31st year of his
age, in consequence of his immoderate studies. He was interred in Westminster abbey, where a small monument is erected to his memory. He was a man of great natural endowments; and was modest, sober, pious, and charitable. His death was greatly lamented by all learned men both at home and abroad. His principal works are, Anglia Sacra, 2 vols, folio; and Historia de Episcopis et Decanis Londinensibus, 8vo.