R. J. (Richard John) King

author

R. J. (Richard John) King

1818–1879

A Victorian antiquary with a sharp eye for churches, folklore, and old poetry, he wrote guidebooks that helped readers see the history hidden in England and Wales’s cathedrals. His work blends scholarship with the pleasure of travel and close observation.

1 Audiobook

The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the Bishops

The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the Bishops

by R. J. (Richard John) King

About the author

Born in Plymouth on January 18, 1818, Richard John King was an English antiquarian and scholar of medieval poetry. He studied at Exeter College, Oxford, and became known for writing accessible yet learned books on architecture, history, and local tradition.

He is best remembered for his cathedral handbooks, including guides to the cathedrals of England and Wales, which brought together architectural detail, historical background, and a traveler’s sense of place. He also wrote on Devonshire, its folklore, scenery, and literary heritage, showing a lasting interest in the landscapes and stories of the West Country.

King died on February 10, 1879. His books remain appealing for readers who enjoy the meeting point of literature, history, and the lived texture of old buildings and regions.