Sabine Baring-Gould

Date of Birth: January 28, 1834

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 2, 1924

Biography

Sabine Baring-Gould was a multifaceted English clergyman, hagiographer, antiquarian, novelist, and eclectic scholar. Born on January 28, 1834, in Exeter, England, he became one of the most remarkable figures of the Victorian era. Baring-Gould was known for his extensive writing, which includes hymns, novels, essays on folklore, and other scholarly works. His most famous hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” remains a staple in Christian worship services. He was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church in 1864 and served in various parishes, most notably in Lew Trenchard, Devon, where he also managed his family’s estate. Baring-Gould’s scholarly interests were diverse, spanning from medieval history to Devonshire folklore. He was a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London and contributed significantly to the study of folk songs and traditions. His literary output was prodigious, including novels such as “Mehalah” and “Court Royal,” as well as a large number of theological and historical works. He married Grace Taylor in 1868, and they had a large family. Sabine Baring-Gould passed away on January 2, 1924, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and scholarly contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about Sabine Baring-Gould

1. Sabine Baring-Gould was left-handed and, as a child, his hand was tied behind his back to force him to write with his right hand.

2. He wrote over 1,240 publications, making him one of the most prolific writers of his time.

3. His hymn “Onward, Christian Soldiers” was set to music by Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert and Sullivan fame.

4. Baring-Gould was an avid collector of folk songs and traveled extensively to document them, often including them in his published works.

5. He was known for his eccentricity, including teaching classes with a pet bat perched on his shoulder.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sabine Baring-Gould

1. “It is the unexpected that invariably happens.”

2. “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”

3. “What is history but a fable agreed upon?”

4. “To be left-handed is to be in a minority, but it is the minority who often hold the key to innovation.”

5. “The past is not dead; it is living in us, and will be alive in the future which we are now helping to make.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Sabine Baring-Gould is not well-documented, but he was a man of comfortable means due to his inheritance of the Lew Trenchard estate and his prolific writing career.

Children

Sabine Baring-Gould and his wife Grace Taylor had fifteen children, though not all survived to adulthood. Their children included: 1. Mary Baring-Gould 2. Margaret Baring-Gould 3. Julian Baring-Gould 4. Edward Sabine Baring-Gould 5. Beatrice Baring-Gould 6. Cicely Baring-Gould 7. Constance Baring-Gould 8. Barbara Baring-Gould 9. Joan Baring-Gould 10. Felicitas Baring-Gould 11. Lucy Baring-Gould 12. Grace Baring-Gould 13. Dorothy Baring-Gould 14. Gerald Baring-Gould 15. Lilias Baring-Gould