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Charles Manners-Sutton

Charles Manners-Sutton served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1805 to 1828, a period marked by significant institutional developments within the Church of England. He played a key role in the foundation of the National Society and advocated for the establishment of the Indian episcopate. His tenure also saw the relocation of the archiepiscopal country palace from Croydon to Addington.

Key Facts

  • Served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1805 to 1828.
  • Presided over the first meeting leading to the foundation of the National Society.
  • Promoted the establishment of the Indian episcopate.
  • Oversaw the sale of the old archiepiscopal palace at Croydon and the purchase of Addington.
  • Presided over the christening of Queen Victoria in 1819.
  • Died at Lambeth and was buried at Addington.
Full Name
Charles Manners-Sutton
Birth Date
17 February 1755
Death Date
21 July 1828
Term Start Date
1805
Term End Date
1828
Predecessor
John Moore
Notable Achievements

Foundation of the National Society, Promotion of the Indian Episcopate

Death Place
Lambeth
Episcopal Ordination Date
1792
Notable Status

About Charles Manners-Sutton

Charles Manners-Sutton: Archbishop of Canterbury (1805-1828)

Charles Manners-Sutton was a prominent clergyman of the Church of England who held the esteemed position of Archbishop of Canterbury from 1805 to 1828. His tenure was significant for his involvement in the establishment of key religious and educational organizations and his influence on ecclesiastical property.

Life and Historical Context

Born on 17 February 1755, Charles Manners-Sutton was the fourth son of Lord George Manners-Sutton. He received his education at Charterhouse School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduating with a B.A. in 1777. He entered holy orders and held several important positions before reaching the pinnacle of his ecclesiastical career. He served as rector of Averham with Kelham, Dean of Peterborough, and Bishop of Norwich before his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Archbishop of Canterbury

Manners-Sutton's appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1805 was a direct royal intervention, with George III exercising his prerogative to appoint Manners-Sutton over Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger's preferred candidate. During his 23-year primacy, the old archiepiscopal palace at Croydon was sold, and the country palace at Addington was purchased with the proceeds. A notable achievement of his time was presiding over the inaugural meeting that led to the foundation of the National Society, an organization he subsequently supported strongly. He also worked to promote the establishment of the Indian episcopate. In 1819, he officiated at the christening of the future Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace. He died at Lambeth on 21 July 1828 and was buried in Addington.

Notable Works and Family

His published works consist of two sermons: one preached before the Lords in 1794 and another before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1797. In 1778, he married Mary Thoroton, with whom he had two sons and ten daughters. His son, Charles Manners-Sutton, later became Speaker of the House of Commons and was created Viscount Canterbury.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Charles Manners-Sutton Archbishop of Canterbury?

Charles Manners-Sutton served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1805 until his death in 1828.

What were some of Charles Manners-Sutton's key contributions?

As Archbishop, he presided over the initial meeting that led to the founding of the National Society and actively promoted the establishment of the Indian episcopate. He also oversaw the sale of the Croydon palace and the acquisition of Addington.

Who appointed Charles Manners-Sutton as Archbishop of Canterbury?

George III appointed Charles Manners-Sutton as Archbishop of Canterbury, overruling Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger's preference for his former tutor.

What was Charles Manners-Sutton's family background?

He was the fourth son of Lord George Manners-Sutton and Diana Chaplin. His younger brother was Thomas Manners-Sutton, 1st Baron Manners, who served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

What significant event did Charles Manners-Sutton preside over in 1819?

In 1819, Charles Manners-Sutton presided over the christening of the future Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.