His father was M.P. for Wootton Basset, and Groom of the Bedchamber to Frederick, Prince of Wales; his mother, a daughter of Spence Cowper, and niece of the celebrated Chancellor; an accomplished woman, and authoress of several poems of considerable merit. Martin was originally brought up to the bar, which he forsook for the Church; was ordained, became Chaplain to the Lock, and one of the most popular ministers of the day. He was a distant relation of the poet Cowper, who first imbibed from him those religious principles which afterwards formed so predominant a feature of his mind.
In 1780 his popularity received a severe blow from the publication of his “Thelyphthora,” a singular work in defence of polygamy. There can be no doubt that the work was issued with good intentions, but the manner of treating the subject was at least novel, and especially so in a clergyman.
Madan was the author of various other works, and likewise of some repute as a musical composer. Many of the tunes and chants in the “Lock Hymn Book” have his initials attached. The “Song of Miriam” is, perhaps, his most popular piece. At the same time, mention must be made of his composition to Pope’s Ode, known as “Vital Spark,” also of the piece “Before Jehovah’s awful Throne.” I have heard him spoken of by elderly folks with deep respect; and whatever his shortcomings may have been, a want of charity was not among them. That he was equally respected in high society may be inferred from his friendship with Lord Chancellor Bathurst, who gave him a chaplaincy.
He died at Epsom in the 64th year of his age, and was buried at Kensington, May 8th, 1791.
The connection of Legh Richmond with the Lock was of very short duration. He was induced to accept the minor office of assistant to the Rev. Thomas Fry, then chaplain, and while here attracted the notice of Ambrose Serle, author of “Horæ Solitariæ,” a constant attendant of the chapel. Serle was applied to by Mrs. Fuller to recommend her a pious and practical clergyman to fill her living of Turvey; he immediately recommended Richmond, and thus it was that estimable man obtained the position he filled with such great credit to himself and the Church, and benefit to his people. His ministrations here extended only from February to October 1805.
Wilberforce strongly supported this Institution, and frequently attended the Chapel. He occasionally alludes to it in his “Diary;” and Legh Richmond mentions observing him at the communion-table on one occasion, with a negro at his side, a coincidence which he afterwards found was quite accidental. The incident was not without a lesson!
The buildings were of brick, and as plain as they possibly could be. They were pulled down in 1846, and the Institution removed to the Harrow Road.
Lowndes Street.—Colonel Gurwood, the editor of “Wellington’s Dispatches,” resided at 33, and Mrs. Gore, the novelist, once at 42.