BASSETT, CHRISTOPHER (1753 - 1784), Methodist cleric

Born at Aberthaw, Penmark, Glamorganshire, son of Christopher and Alice Bassett, both of whom were disciples of Howel Harris. He was educated at Cowbridge grammar school and Jesus College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1772 (M.A. 1775). He was ordained by the bishop of London and was a curate under the famous William Romaine at S. Anne's, Blackfriars; he was also appointed ' lecturer ' at S. Ethelburga's.

When his health broke down he returned to Wales where, in 1778, he became curate at S. Fagans, after which he was curate at Porthkerry; in both of these places he established Methodist societies. He travelled throughout South Wales, preaching to the Methodists.

In 1783 his health again deteriorated, and he went to his sister's house in Bristol to recuperate; he died there of tuberculosis, 8 February 1784, and his body was brought to S. Athan for burial. Elegies to his memory were written by John Williams, S. Athan, 1728 - 1806, and William Williams, Pantycelyn. At the same time David Jones, Llan-gan, published a booklet giving an account of his life: Llythyr oddiwrth Dafydd ab Ioan y Pererin at Ioan ab Gwilim y Prydydd … (Trevecka, 1784).

Author

• Reverend Gomer Morgan Roberts, (1904 - 1993)

Sources

• David Jones, Llythyr oddi wrth Dafydd ab Ioan y pererin [i.e. David Jones] at Ioan ab Gwilim y prydydd [i.e. John Williams], yn rhoddi byrr hanes o fywyd a marwolaeth y Parchedig Christopher Basset, Athraw yn y Celfyddydau, o Aber-ddawen, yn Sir Forganwg … ynghyd â marwnad ar ei farwolaeth, a gyfansoddwyd gan Ioan ab Gwilim mewn ffordd o lythyr at … Dafydd ab Ioan (Trefecca 1784)
• Methodistiaeth Cymru (1851–6), iii, 94
• J. Morgan Jones and W. Morgan, Y Tadau Methodistaidd (1895-1897), ii, 129-33
• Cymru (O.M.E.), xv, 24

Further Reading

• William Williams, Marwnad ar farwolaeth y Parchedig Mr. Cristopher Basset, y iefangaf o Aberddawen yn Sir Forganwg Athro Celfyddudau: yr hwn a ymadawodd â'r byd yr 8 o Chwefror, 1784. Yn yr 31 flwyddyn ei oed, ac a gladdwyd yn Saint Athens (Aberhonddu 1784)
• T. Morgan, Enwogion Cymreig 1700-1900 (1907), p.18
• Wikipedia Article: Christopher Bassett

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q5111917

Published date: 1959

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