Seatonian Prize
Encyclopedia
The Seatonian Prize is awarded by the University of Cambridge
for the best English poem on a sacred subject, and is open to any Master of Arts
of the university. Seaton, and his prize, is referred to in the poem of George Gordon, Lord Byron 'English Bards and Scots Reviewers' 1809.
, educated at Stamford School
and a Fellow
of Clare College, who died in 1741. The prize was financed by the revenue from his Kislingbury estate bequeathed to the University. The bequest was not formally accepted by the University and no regulations drawn up for the Seatonian Prize until 1898. It has been awarded annually since 1750.
. 'On the Omniscience of the Supreme Being (Cambridge, 1752) was his prize-winning ‘poetical essay’ of that year.
Smart won much credit by his success. In 1754 his fellowship was extended on condition that he continued to write for the prize.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
for the best English poem on a sacred subject, and is open to any Master of Arts
Master of Arts (Oxbridge)
In the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin, Bachelors of Arts of these universities are admitted to the degree of Master of Arts or Master in Arts on application after six or seven years' seniority as members of the university .There is no examination or study required for the degree...
of the university. Seaton, and his prize, is referred to in the poem of George Gordon, Lord Byron 'English Bards and Scots Reviewers' 1809.
Founding
It was founded by the Rev. Thomas SeatonThomas Seaton
The Reverend Thomas Seaton , was a Church of England clergyman and religious writer.-Education:...
, educated at Stamford School
Stamford School
Stamford School is an English independent school situated in the market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. It has been a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference since 1920.-History:...
and a Fellow
Fellow
A fellow in the broadest sense is someone who is an equal or a comrade. The term fellow is also used to describe a person, particularly by those in the upper social classes. It is most often used in an academic context: a fellow is often part of an elite group of learned people who are awarded...
of Clare College, who died in 1741. The prize was financed by the revenue from his Kislingbury estate bequeathed to the University. The bequest was not formally accepted by the University and no regulations drawn up for the Seatonian Prize until 1898. It has been awarded annually since 1750.
Winners
The winner in the first three years was Christopher SmartChristopher Smart
Christopher Smart , also known as "Kit Smart", "Kitty Smart", and "Jack Smart", was an English poet. He was a major contributor to two popular magazines and a friend to influential cultural icons like Samuel Johnson and Henry Fielding. Smart, a high church Anglican, was widely known throughout...
. 'On the Omniscience of the Supreme Being (Cambridge, 1752) was his prize-winning ‘poetical essay’ of that year.
Smart won much credit by his success. In 1754 his fellowship was extended on condition that he continued to write for the prize.