Martin Madan

MADAN, Martin. b. London, 5 October 1725; d. Epsom, Surrey, 2 May 1790. He was the son of Colonel Martin Madan (1700–56), MP for Hertingfordbury, Herts, and equerry to Frederick, prince of Wales; he was a cousin of William Cowper*. He was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford (BA 1746), and called to the Bar in 1748. He led a dissolute life until he was converted in 1750 on hearing John Wesley* preach on the text ‘Prepare to meet thy God’; later he came under the influence of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon*. He was ordained deacon in 1758, and priest in 1759. In that year he became chaplain of the Lock Hospital, serving without pay; in addition he financed the building of...