Name Henry the | ||
Henry Homer, the elder (1719 – 24 July, 1791) was an English clergyman, known as a writer on topics related to economic development.
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Life
The son of Edward Homer of Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, was educated at Oxford, where he matriculated on 26 June 1736 as a member of University College. He became a demy of Magdalen College in 1737, and graduated B.A. in 1740, M.A. in 1743.
Homer was appointed rector of Birdingbury, Warwickshire, and vicar of Willoughby in 1764; and chaplain to Edward Leigh, 5th Baron Leigh. From 1774 to 1779 he also held the vicarage of Ansty. He died on 24 July 1791, and was buried at Birdingbury.
Works
Homer published:
Homer was a commissioner for enclosures, and drew up instructions for the surveyors carrying out the practical work involved. He is considered a significant author on agrarian improvement. Himself a supporter of enclosure, he identified four common objections:
- depopulation;
- reduction in corn harvests;
- loss of rights in cutting turf and furze (turbary);
- loss of amenity, for travel and sport.
Homer's Essay was published early in the major controversy over enclosures, of 1760 to 1790. During it, he had a local opponent in Stephen Addington.
Family
Homer had 17 children, including Arthur Homer, Henry the younger, and Philip Bracebridge Homer.