Robert Vaughan (minister)

Robert Vaughan (1795–1868) was an English minister of the Congregationalist communion, academic, college head and writer, from a Welsh background. He was Professor of History in the London University, and then President of the Independent College, Manchester. He founded, and for a time edited, the British Quarterly.

Vaughan was born in the West of England on 14 October 1795, to Anglican parents. He came under the influence of William Thorp (1771–1833), Independent minister at Castle Green, Bristol, who trained him for the ministry: Thorp influenced his early style of preaching, which was declamatory and active. While still a student he was invited (1819) by the Independent congregation in Angel Street, Worcester, accepted the call in April, and was ordained on 4 July, among his ordainers being William Jay and John Angell James. He became popular, and in March 1825 accepted a call to Hornton Street, Kensington, London, in succession to John Leifchild.

In 1834 Vaughan was appointed to the chair of history in London University. His connection with the London University brought him into relations with the Whig political leaders, and increased his influence. In 1836 he received the diploma of D.D. from Glasgow University. In 1843 he succeeded Gilbert Wardlaw as president and professor of theology in Lancashire Independent College, removed (26 April) to new buildings at Whalley Range, Manchester.

Dissatisfied with the Eclectic Review, which, under the editorship of Thomas Price, was favouring the policy of Edward Miall, Vaughan started the British Quarterly, bringing out the first number in January 1845. During 20 years of editorship he retained its nonconformist character and its theological conservatism, but admitted on other topics a wide range of writers.

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