Robert Holt

1761-1802. Friend and tutor of the first Duke. 

• 1761: Born in Rochdale, Lancashire on 15 February 
• Attended Manchester Grammar School
• Somerset Scholarship to Brasenose College, Oxford
• 1786: Batchelor of Arts in January 
• 1787: Married Sarah Fowler at St Helens on 16 December; five children:
  • Robert Fowler, 30 June 1791
  • Sarah Ann, 26 December 1792
  • Mary, 4 January 1795
  • Eliza, 3 July 1796 - died 12 October 1796
  • William Fowler, 29 October 1797.
• 1789: MA in July 
• Chaplain and tutor to Richard Temple
• 1790: Instituted as Rector of Finmere, 23 August
• 1799: Vaccinated Finmere against smallpox (see The Impoverished Vaccinator)
• 1802: Died on 19 January aged 40.; buried in the nave of St Michael's church Finmere on 23 January

Richard Temple's memorial to Holt in St Michael's church record his grief at the loss of his friend:

What kindliness there was in him, according to the poor
What friendship there was in him according to friends
May you readily recognise, therefore, that this was placed in grief and with affection by his companion
Richard Temple

Holt's death was noted by Joseph Farington:

Mr. Holt, who was Tutor to Lord Temple is dead and Has left a beautiful widow & 4 children. He died of intemperance & was much in debt having owed the Marquiss £3000 and His Steward £16 or £1800. The widow now keeps a boarding House at Eaton & Lord Temple allows Her £100 a yr. (Farington Diaries, II, 276)

He was also in debt to the parish of Finmere.