In Huntingdon Cowper made the acquaintance of William Unwin, then studying theology at Cambridge. He was befriended by William’s family and moved in with them. William’s mother Mary Unwin treated him like a second son. Following the death in 1767 of William’s father Rev. Morley Unwin, Mary Unwin and her daughter, and Cowper, moved to Olney, invited there by the Curate-in-charge, John Newton. Newton initially shared his house with them. The following year, the family moved to Orchard Side (now the Museum). In 1773, William suffered another major breakdown. He felt forsaken by God. He ceased to attend church, but continued with Newton to write occasional hymns. These were included by Newton in the Olney Hymns, published in 1779.