John Swete

Rev. John Swete (born John Tripe) (July 1752 – 25 October 1821) of Oxton House, Kenton in Devon, was a clergyman, artist, antiquary, historian and topographer and author of the Picturesque Sketches of Devon consisting of twenty illustrated journals of Devonshire scenery.

Origins

John Tripe was born in July 1752 in Ashburton, Devon, England, in his father's home, in 1997 serving as the Golden Lion Hotel. He was the son Nicholas Tripe, a surgeon, by his wife Rebecca Yard.

Career

He was educated at Ashburton Free School and with the assistance of Sir Robert Palk, 1st Baronet (1717-1798) of Haldon House in the parish of Kenn, near Exeter, went to Eton College in 1769 and then later to University College, Oxford. Tripe graduated with a B.A. in 1774 and obtained an M.A. in 1777. In 1775, he became a curate at Highweek, Newton Abbot and in 1776 he was appointed curate at Kenn a few miles south of Exeter. In 1781, he was made a Prebendary of the Diocese of Exeter.

Paternal inheritance

From his father he inherited Oxton House in the parish of Kenton, near Exeter.