John Kidgell (c. 1729 – c. 1779) was an English clergyman and writer, primarily known for his controversial involvement in the political and literary scandals surrounding John Wilkes and the publication of "An Essay on Woman" in the 1760s. His actions earned him notoriety as a key witness for the government against Wilkes and contributed to his eventual downfall and flight from England.
Early Life and Education Born around 1729, Kidgell received his education at the University of Cambridge, matriculating from St John's College in 1746. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1750 and his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1754. Following his graduation, he was ordained as a priest in the Church of England.
Clerical Career and Early Controversies Kidgell held various ecclesiastical positions during his career, including curacies and livings such as the rectory of Horne, Surrey. However, his tenure was often marked by disputes and financial difficulties, foreshadowing the more significant scandals that would later define his public life.
Involvement in the Wilkes Affair (1763) Kidgell's name became prominent during the heated political climate of 1763, specifically in the context of the government's prosecution of the radical politician John Wilkes. Wilkes had published "The North Briton" No. 45, which criticized King George III's speech, and the obscene and blasphemous parody "An Essay on Woman."
Kidgell became a crucial, albeit controversial, figure in the government's case against Wilkes. He obtained a copy of "An Essay on Woman" – reportedly through clandestine means, either by bribing a printer or by betraying a confidence – and delivered it to the government. He then testified against Wilkes before the House of Lords, contributing to Wilkes's condemnation for seditious libel and blasphemy. Kidgell publicly justified his actions in a pamphlet titled A Genuine Narrative of a Scandalous, Obscene, and Blasphemous Libel, Entitled An Essay on Woman (1763), claiming his motives were moral and religious, aiming to expose and condemn Wilkes's immorality. However, critics widely viewed his involvement as opportunistic and a betrayal, damaging his reputation significantly.
Later Life and Exile Following the Wilkes affair, Kidgell's life spiraled into further disrepute. He faced accusations of fraud, forgery, and other illicit financial dealings. To escape his creditors and potential prosecution, he fled England for France, where he lived as a fugitive. Details of his later years are sparse, but it is believed he died in exile around 1779.
Legacy John Kidgell remains a minor but illustrative figure in 18th-century British political history. His role in the Wilkes scandal highlights the complex interplay of politics, morality, and individual opportunism during a period of intense public debate over free speech and governmental power. He is often remembered as a clergyman who, by his actions, discredited both himself and to some extent, the political establishment he sought to serve.