Background
Fortescue was born in 1716, the son of George Fortescue, "gentleman", of Milton Abbot, Devon.
Fortescue was born in 1716, the son of George Fortescue, "gentleman", of Milton Abbot, Devon.
He graduated Bachelor of Divinity in 1749, and was created Doctor of Divinity on 20 January 1750-1751.
In 1739. He was chaplain at Merton College, Oxford, in 1738, 1743, and 1746. In 1748 he was senior proctor of the university. Being appointed in 1764 to the rectory of Wootton, Northamptonshire, a benefice in the gift of Exeter College, he resigned his fellowship in the following year.
He held the rectory till his death in 1777.
He published the following works in verse:
‘A View of Life in its several Passions, with a preliminary Discourse on Moral Writing,’ London, 1749, Octavo. ‘Science,’ an epistle, Oxford, 1750, Octavo.
‘Science,’ a poem, Oxford, 1751, Octavo. ‘Essays, Moral and Miscellaneous,’ including the preceding works, and some other poetical pieces, part i. second edit, London, 1752, Octavo.
Pint ii. Oxford, 1754, Octavo.
An extended edition of the ‘Essays,’ including ‘Pomery-Hill,’ appeared in 2 volumes 1759.
‘An Essay on Sacred Harmony,’ London, 1753, Octavo. ‘Essay the Second: on Sacred Harmony,’ London, 1754, Octavo.
‘Pomery-Hill, a Poem, with other Poems, English and Latin,’ London, 1754, Octavo.
He matriculated at Oxford as a member of Exeter College, 9 February 1732-1733, obtained his Bachelor of Arts in 1736, was elected a fellow of his college, and commenced Master of Arts