Frederick Cornwallis
Frederick Cornwallis was a British clergy member who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1768 to 1783. Born into an aristocratic family, his career advanced through his connections, leading him to various church positions before his elevation to the highest office in the Church of England. He was known for his sociability and was a supporter of Lord North's administration, notably aiding Anglican clergy dispossessed during the American Revolution.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1768 to 1783.
- ›Born into an aristocratic family, the seventh son of Charles Cornwallis, 4th Baron Cornwallis.
- ›Held positions such as chaplain to King George II, canon of Windsor, canon at St Paul's Cathedral, and Dean of Windsor and St Paul's.
- ›Became Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry in 1750.
- ›Supported Lord North's administration and efforts to aid Anglican clergy in the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution.
- ›Generally judged as a competent administrator but an uninspiring leader of the 18th-century church.
- Served As Archbishop of Canterbury
- Supported Anglican Clergy Dispossessed During the American Revolution
About Frederick Cornwallis
Frederick Cornwallis: Archbishop of Canterbury (1768-1783)
Frederick Cornwallis was a prominent British clergy member who held the esteemed position of Archbishop of Canterbury. Born on March 5, 1713, into an aristocratic family, his career in the Church of England was significantly aided by his influential connections. He passed away on March 19, 1783, after a tenure marked by administrative competence and support for the prevailing political climate.
Early Life and Career Ascent
Born in London as the seventh son of Charles Cornwallis, 4th Baron Cornwallis, Frederick received his education at Eton College and Christ's College, Cambridge. His ordination as a priest occurred in 1742, followed by his attainment of a Doctor of Divinity in 1748. Cornwallis's aristocratic background proved instrumental in his swift advancement within the Church. He served as chaplain to King George II and was appointed a canon of Windsor in 1746. His career progressed further with his appointment as a canon at St Paul's Cathedral in 1750, and later that year, he became the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, a position secured through the patronage of the Duke of Newcastle.
Archbishop of Canterbury and Notable Actions
Cornwallis also held the positions of Dean of Windsor (1765–1768) and Dean of St Paul's (1766–1768). His elevation to Archbishop of Canterbury in 1768, following the death of Thomas Secker, was facilitated by his friendship with Prime Minister the Duke of Grafton. As archbishop, Cornwallis was appreciated for his sociability and geniality, making him a popular figure. He was a steadfast supporter of Lord North's administration and played a key role in advocating for Anglican clergy who were dispossessed of their livings in the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution. His burial took place at St. Mary's Church, Lambeth.
Legacy and Assessment
Frederick Cornwallis is generally assessed as a competent administrator, though an uninspiring leader within the 18th-century church. He is often viewed as a representative figure of the latitudinarianism of his era, whose moderate approach paved the way for the distinct responses of the Evangelical and Oxford Movements in the subsequent century. His twin brother, Edward Cornwallis, had a notable military career, and his nephew was Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, a key figure in the American Revolution and later Governor-General of India.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Frederick Cornwallis born and when did he die?
Frederick Cornwallis was born on March 5, 1713, and died on March 19, 1783.
What was Frederick Cornwallis's role in the Church of England?
Frederick Cornwallis served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1768 until his death in 1783. Prior to this, he held various positions within the Church, including Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry.
How did Frederick Cornwallis's aristocratic background influence his career?
His aristocratic connections facilitated his rapid ascent within the Church of England. These connections helped him secure important positions such as chaplain to King George II and canonries.
What was Cornwallis's stance during the American Revolution?
As Archbishop, Cornwallis was a consistent supporter of Lord North's administration and led efforts to support Anglican clergy who lost their livings in the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution.
How is Frederick Cornwallis generally assessed as a leader?
Cornwallis is generally considered a competent administrator but an uninspiring leader of the 18th-century church. He is seen as a product of latitudinarianism, whose lack of zeal influenced later movements within the church.
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