About John Genest
Lived 1764 – 1839 (aged 74–75). John Genest was a British historian and cleric.
John Genest (1764–1839) was an English clergyman and theatre historian.
Life He was the son of John Genest of Dunker's Hill, Devon. He was educated at Westminster School, entered 9 May 1780 as a pensioner at Trinity College, Cambridge, and graduated B.A. 1784 and M.A. 1787. He took holy orders, and was for many years curate of a Lincolnshire village. Subsequently, he became private chaplain to the Duke of Ancaster.
Compelled by ill-health to retire, he went to Bath, Somerset for the benefit of the waters. Here he appears to have remained until his death, which took place, after nine years of illness, at his residence in Henry Street, 15 December 1839. He was buried in St. James's Church.
Works During his times in Bath he wrote Some Account of the English Stage from the Restoration in 1660 to 1830, Bath, 10 vols. 1832. It is accurate and well-researched.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Genest's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Genest?
British priest
When was John Genest born?
John Genest was born in 1764.
When did John Genest die?
John Genest died in 1839 in Bath.
What was John Genest's occupation?
John Genest was a historian and cleric.
What nationality was John Genest?
John Genest was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Genest. https://biography.guide/john-genest/
MLA: "John Genest." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-genest/.
Chicago: "John Genest." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-genest/.
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