SMITH, SYDNEY

(1771-1845), Eng. scholar, divine, and wit.; ed. at Winchester and New College, Oxford, where he became a fellow; went to Edinburgh and studied philosophy; started Hdinburgh Review, 1802; app. incumbent of Foston-le-Clay in Yorkshire, 1806, where he settled, 1808, doing much good work; prebend. of Bristol, 1828; rector of Combe-Florey (Somerset), 1829; canon of St. Paul’s, 1831. 8S. was a vigorous upholder of Catholic emancipation, which he advocated in famous Peter Plymley’s Leiters, 1807-8; Three Letters to Archdeacon Singleton on the Ecclesiastical Commi ion appeared, 1837-39. But for his outspokenne he might have become a bp. He originated the story of Mrs. Parting ton and her broom, and was noted for his brilliant, audacious wit.