Henry Gunning was senior Esquire Bedell of the University of Cambridge, known for his memoirs.
Background
Gunning was born at Newton, Cambridgeshire, on 13 February 1768. His father, Francis Gunning, who was vicar of Newton and also of the adjacent parishes of Thriplow and Hauxton, was grandson of William Gunning, the first cousin and secretary of Peter Gunning, successively bishop of Chichester and Ely.
Education
Henry was educated first at Ely, in a school kept by Jeffrey Bentham, a minor canon of the cathedral, and brother of James Bentham. And afterwards in the endowed school of Sleaford, under the Review Edward Waterson. He entered Christ"s College, Cambridge, as a sizar in October 1784, became a scholar of that house, and graduated Bachelor of Arts as sixth wrangler in 1788 (Master of Arts 1791).
Career
On 13 October 1789 he was elected one of the esquire bedells of the university. He became senior esquire bedell in 1827. In that capacity he received gold chains from three successive chancellors of the university, viz.
John Pratt, 1st Marquess Camden, 1834, the Duke of Northumberland, 1844, and Prince Albert, 1847.
In 1847 an accidental fall left him incurably lame. His official connection with the university continued for more than sixty-five years.
He was highly esteemed for his courtesy, gentlemanly bearing, and readiness to communicate his extensive knowledge respecting academic ceremonies and privileges. He died in Brighton on 4 January 1854.
Gunning married in 1794 Mission Bertram, whom he survived many years.
Another son, Francis John Gunning, was a solicitor and town clerk of Cambridge from 1836 to 1840. And a third son, Frederick Gunning, was a barrister in practice on the Norfolk circuit, and the author of A Practical Treatise on the Law of Tolls, London, 1833.
Membership
An advanced Whig in politics, Gunning took an active part in local politics, was a strenuous supporter of the cause of parliamentary reform, and, after the passing of the Municipal Corporations Acting, was from 1835 to 1841 a member of the town council of Cambridge.