Accepted Frewen

Accepted Frewen, Archbishop of York

Accepted Frewen (baptised 26 May 1588 – 28 March 1664) was a prominent priest in the Church of England who attained the high office of Archbishop of York, serving from 1660 until his death in 1664.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Northiam, East Sussex, Frewen's unusual forename reflected Puritan naming conventions of the era. He received his education at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he later became a Fellow. His early career saw him act as chaplain to Sir John Digby, the ambassador in Spain, where a sermon he delivered pleased Prince Charles, who later appointed him as one of his chaplains upon his accession to the throne as Charles I.

Frewen held several significant positions within the Church and academia, including canon of Canterbury Cathedral, Vice-President and later President of Magdalen College, and Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University on multiple occasions. He was also appointed Dean of Gloucester. During the English Civil War, he played a part in sending the University plate to King Charles I at York in 1642.

In 1644, Frewen was consecrated Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. However, his tenure was interrupted by the political upheavals of the English Civil War and the subsequent Commonwealth and Protectorate. He was deprived of his See by Parliament on 9 October 1646, as episcopacy was abolished. Parliament declared his estates forfeited for treason in 1652, and he was forced to flee to France, escaping capture due to a mistaken designation of his name in proclamations.

Restoration and Archbishopric

Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Frewen was reinstated to the See of Lichfield and Coventry. Later that same year, he was elected Archbishop of York, with the confirmation of his election occurring on 4 October 1660. During his time as Archbishop, he also served as the chairman of the Savoy Conference in 1661, a significant event in the post-Restoration religious landscape.

Major Contributions

Frewen's contributions include his instrumental role in sending the University plate to King Charles I during the Civil War and his leadership as chairman of the Savoy Conference, which aimed to address religious differences following the Restoration. His survival and return to prominence after facing deprivation and persecution underscore his resilience.

Legacy

Accepted Frewen's career spanned a tumultuous period in English history, marked by civil war and political and religious upheaval. His journey from a Fellow at Oxford to a deprived bishop and finally to Archbishop of York highlights the changing fortunes of the Church of England during the 17th century.