Richard Hobson (priest)

Richard Hobson (1544 – 1617) was an English clergyman and benefactor. He is primarily remembered for the Hobson's Conduit, a water supply system he funded to bring fresh water to Cambridge.

Born in Newport, Shropshire, Hobson was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he matriculated in 1563 and became a fellow in 1568. He was ordained a priest and served as vicar of Oakington, Cambridgeshire, from 1575 until his death.

Hobson's legacy lies primarily in his philanthropy. Recognizing the poor quality of water available in Cambridge, he dedicated a substantial portion of his wealth to building the Hobson's Conduit. Construction began in 1610 and was completed after his death, in 1614. The conduit diverted water from Nine Wells, a spring several miles south of Cambridge, along a channel into the town. The water was then distributed through public fountains, significantly improving sanitation and public health.

Richard Hobson died in 1617 and was buried in Oakington church. His efforts were greatly appreciated by the people of Cambridge, and Hobson's Conduit remained an important source of water for the town for centuries.