Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Finch, Robert Poole

910393Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 19 — Finch, Robert Poole1889Charles John Robinson

FINCH, ROBERT POOLE (1724–1803), divine, son of the Rev. Richard Finch, was born at Greenwich 3 March 1723-4, entered Merchant Taylors' School in 1736, and was admitted a member of Peterhouse, Cambridge, whence he graduated B.A. 1743, M.A. 1747, D.D. 1772. He became a preacher of some eminence, published numerous sermons, and was also an author of a treatise upon oaths and perjury, which passed through many editions. In 1771 he was appointed rector of St. Michael's, Cornhill, but resigned in 1784, on becoming rector of St. John the Evangelist, Westminster. In 1781 he was made prebendary of Westminster, and retaining this appointment until his death, 18 May 1803, was buried in the abbey.

He published in 1788 'Considerations upon the Use and Abuse of Oaths judicially taken,' which became a standard work among the publications of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

[Robinson's Reg. of Merchant Taylors' School; Chester's Westminster Abbey Reg. p. 469.]

C. J. R.