June 28th Rev. C.A. Johns (Death)
     

 

Now mainly remembered for his study of the history, geology and natural history of the Lizard ‘A Week At The Lizard’, Charles Alexander Johns (1811–1874) was an educator and author of a series of popular natural history books.

Devonport – born Johns was one of twelve children of the banker and artist Henry Incledon Johns and grew up in Helston after his father’s banks, the Devonport Bank and the Plymouth Dock Bank both failed.

Johns became a master at Helston Grammar School under the headmastership of Derwent Coleridge, son of  Samuel Taylor Coleridge and taught Charles Kingsley (June 12th).  In 1836, he became an undergraduate at Trinity College, Dublin and, after matriculation, he travelled to the Holy Land which led to his first published book of poetry ‘Flora Sacra’ (1840) which combined poetry and botanical illustrations of religious – significant plants and subsequently became ordained. 

His numerous books include ‘Forest Trees of Britain’ (1847), his ‘A Ramble In . . .’ series, and ‘Flowers of the Field’ (1851) which included, as did ‘A Week at the Lizard’, uncredited illustrations, signed E.S., by Emily Stackhouse (April 1st).

 



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