Littleton, Adam (1627-11-02 - 1694-06-30)

Adam Littleton, son of Thomas Littleton, was born on 2 November 1627 at Halesowen. Educated at Westminster School in his youth, he was admitted to Christ Church, Oxford in 1644; however, he was ejected in 1648 by parliamentary visitors. He became usher at Westminster School and began establishing a reputation as a grammarian with several publications. He was appointed second master of Westminster School in 1658. Littleton served as chaplain in ordinary to Charles II during the 1660s and was made rector of St Luke’s, Chelsea in 1669. The same year he became prebendary of Westminster and eventually sub dean. Although he did not hold a B.A. or M.A., he was granted a D.D. in 1670 after a recommendation from Humfrey Henchman, bishop of London. Littleton was an active and gifted preacher as well as a philologist. One of his best known works was his immense Latin dictionary that he published in 1678. He was minister of St Botolph, Aldersgate from 1685 to 1691, and may also have been rector of Overton, Hampshire from 1683. He was thrice married, first to Elizabeth (d.1659), then to Susan (m.1667, death unknown), and finally to Susan (d.1698). He had at least two children. Littleton died on 30 June 1694 at the age of 67 and was buried at St Luke’s.