Reverend Sir Henry Dryden

Reverend Sir Henry Dryden was one of the three men who instigated the setting up of the Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeological Society (WNHAS) in 1836, which led to the opening of what is now Market Hall Museum. He was the second son of John Dryden of Canons Ashby, and was ordained into the priesthood in 1814; on the death of his elder brother he inherited the baronetcy of Canons Ashby. Then aged 31, he also took over his brother’s position as incumbent priest at All Saints Church in Leek Wootton, where he remained until his sudden death aged 50 from pleurisy in December 1837.

Meetings regarding formation

A preliminary meeting regarding the formation of the Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeological Society was held in the Ballroom at the Courthouse on Jury Street on Tuesday 12th April 1836. A public meeting was then held on the 24th May 1836, and the decision was made to go forward with the setting up of the Society, and what is now Market Hall Museum. At that meeting the Reverend Sir Henry Dryden was appointed the Chair, and Dr George Lloyd and John Conolly as Honorary Secretaries.

Condolences

Henry Dryden attended most of the meetings held by the newly formed WNHAS from its inception until his death in December 1837. He was the Chair of the first Quarterly meeting on 19th October 1836. At the monthly meeting held on 6th December 1836, it is noted that Dryden donated a thermometer to the society.  At the meeting held on 6th January 1838 condolences are expressed regarding his sudden death.

As part of the Unlocking Collections project, a group of volunteers researched some of the individuals who contributed to the Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeological Society. Research was undertaken at Warwickshire County Record Office.