Julius Brenchley

Julius Lucius Brenchley (30 November 1816 - 24 February 1873), of Maidstone, was a 19th century English explorer and author.

Life

Born at Kingsley House, Maidstone, Kent, and educated at Maidstone Grammar School and the University of Cambridge, he was all set for a life in the Church, having been ordained at Holy Trinity, Maidstone, in 1843. However, in 1845, his father persuaded Brenchley to accompany him on a European tour, and he was bitten by the tavel bug. From 1845 to 1867 he travelled the world, collecting, recording and sending material home. He was a passionate collector of art, ethonography and natural history, and was called a 'gentleman explorer'. Travelling the globe in search of knowledge and adventure, he sent many artefacts from his travels home which are now on display in Maidstone museum. During his travels, Brenchley visited every continent except Antarctica. He was especially active in the South Seas.

Brenchley spent much of his adult life exploring the world in his tireless search for knowledge. His life was shaped by his 'passionate love of wandering'.

He died aged only 56, on February 24th 1873 in a Folkestone hotel and is buried in the family vaults at All Saints' Church, Maidstone.

Publications

Brenchley published at least two books:
*"Jottings during the cruise of HMS Curacoa among the South Sea islands in 1865"
*"A Journey to Great Salt Lake City"