We passed through Olney in Buckinghamshire on a journey down to Essex to call in at the Cowper and Newton Museum. I knew a good amount about John Newton but not much about William Cowper (pronounced Cooper). They are perhaps most famous for their Hymns.
The museum is well worth a visit and garden was very tranquil in the sunshine.
The museum is in Cowper’ old house. There is quite a bit of garden beyond that in the picture and beyond that an orchard and then Olney Vicarage where Newton lived as Curate for 20 something years. That’s curate in the old sense wen Vicar’s or Rectors took the money and paid someone to provide the Cure of Souls.
Ollney was famous in his time as a poet though nowadays people are more likely to have heard of Newton. The museum contains interesting information about both men. Newton is well known for his conversion following a storm at sea when he was a slave trader. Alter he became a strong advocate of the abolition of the slave trade.
Cowper suffered from depressio at various times in his life, including in the years before his death. It is helpful to recognise that having faith in Christ does not mean such things do not happen.
The most famous of Newton’s hymns is Amazing Grace, although it only gained prominence some years after it was written. As I understand it one of the verses reflected some of the struggles Cowper had with depression.
Back yard where there is a cafe some days.
I have also produced a page on the Doll’s House in the museum.
Visited June 2025