The Reverend Robert Dixon | |
---|---|
Born | ca. 1614 |
Died | 1688 |
Occupation(s) | Clergyman and theologian |
Spouse | Sarah Mabb |
Robert Dixon (ca. 1614–1688) was an English clergyman, theologian, and royalist.
Dixon was the son of James Dixon of London and his wife Joane Betson. [1] He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge, where he took his BA in 1634/5 and his MA in 1638, before being ordained in 1639. [2]
After his ordination, Dixon had obtained a benefice in Kent. A steadfast royalist, he refused to take the Solemn League and Covenant, and as a result was seized after preaching a funeral sermon and imprisoned, first at Knole House and then at Leeds Castle. He was held prisoner at Leeds for fourteen months before being released. [2]
By 1647, Dixon was the rector of Tunstall, a position he held until 1661, [3] though for a time he was sequestered from the position on account of his royalist leanings. After the Restoration, he was appointed one of the prebends of Rochester Cathedral in 1660. [2]
Dixon is known to have authored three books: [2]
He is sometimes held to have written a verse volume called 'Canidia, or the Witches, of Rhapsody in five parts, by R. D.' [2] According to his son James, this work was admired by John Dryden, who met Dixon at Linstead Lodge in Kent and expressed praise for his poetry. [4]
Dixon married Sarah Mabb, daughter of Thomas Mabb of Bersted in Kent. [1] They had three children: [4]
Through his son James, he was the grandfather of the poet Sarah Dixon.
Dixon died in 1688.