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George Montaigne

York·16th century·England·Arminianism

George Montaigne (or Mountain) was an English bishop who served as Archbishop of York from July to October 1628. He was a prominent figure among the Arminian bishops who opposed the prevailing Calvinism in the Church of England during the early seventeenth century. His career saw him hold various significant positions, including Bishop of Lincoln, Bishop of London, and Bishop of Durham.

Key Facts

  • Born in 1569 at Cawood, Yorkshire, and educated at Queens' College, Cambridge.
  • Served as chaplain to Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, on an expedition against Cádiz in 1597.
  • Held positions such as Gresham College Professor of Divinity, Master of the Savoy, and Dean of Westminster.
  • Appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 1617, Bishop of London in 1621, and Bishop of Durham in 1627.
  • Elected Archbishop of York on July 1, 1628, shortly before his death.
  • Was part of the Arminian group of bishops opposing Calvinism in the Church of England.
Full Name
George Montaigne
Birth Date
1569
Death Date
24 October 1628
Term Start Date
1 July 1628
Term End Date
24 October 1628
Predecessor
Tobias Matthew
Notable Achievements

Bishop of Lincoln, Bishop of London, Bishop of Durham, Archbishop of York

Birth Place
Cawood, Yorkshire
Death Place
London
Episcopal Ordination Date
14 December 1617
Notable Status

About George Montaigne

George Montaigne (or Mountain)

George Montaigne (1569 – 24 October 1628) was an English bishop who attained the high office of Archbishop of York for a brief period shortly before his death. Born in Cawood, Yorkshire, Montaigne received his education at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he matriculated in 1586 and pursued advanced degrees, eventually holding a fellowship there.

Life and Career

Montaigne's ecclesiastical career was marked by a series of significant appointments. He served as chaplain to Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, on an expedition against Cádiz in 1597. His progression through the church hierarchy included roles such as rector of Great Cressingham, Gresham College Professor of Divinity, Master of the Savoy, and Chaplain to James VI and I. He was appointed Dean of Westminster in 1610.

His episcopal career began with his appointment as Bishop of Lincoln in 1617, followed by his appointment as Bishop of London in 1621 and Bishop of Durham in 1627. Montaigne was consecrated as a bishop on December 14, 1617, by Archbishop George Abbot and co-consecrated by Marco Antonio de Dominis, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Split.

Archbishopric of York and Theological Stance

Upon the vacancy of the archbishopric of York following the death of Tobias Matthew in 1628, Montaigne is noted for securing the nomination. He was elected to the archbishopric on July 1, 1628, but his tenure was cut short by his death in London on October 24, 1628. He was buried in Cawood Church.

Montaigne was a notable figure within the Arminian faction of bishops in the Church of England. This group emerged in opposition to the prevailing Calvinist doctrines of the time. An example of his adherence to Arminian views was the prosecution of individuals in his London diocese for irreverent behavior during services, such as the disrespectful wearing of hats.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was George Montaigne born and where?

George Montaigne was born in 1569 in Cawood, Yorkshire, England.

What was George Montaigne's role in the Church of England?

George Montaigne was an English bishop. He held several significant positions, including Bishop of Lincoln, Bishop of London, Bishop of Durham, and ultimately Archbishop of York.

What theological group did George Montaigne belong to?

He was part of the Arminian group of bishops. This group arose in opposition to the general Calvinism that was prevalent in the Church of England in the early seventeenth century.

When did George Montaigne become Archbishop of York?

George Montaigne was elected to the archbishopric of York on July 1, 1628. However, he died in London on October 24, 1628, serving a very brief term.

What were some of George Montaigne's earlier career appointments before becoming Archbishop?

Before becoming Archbishop, Montaigne served as chaplain to the Earl of Essex, rector of Great Cressingham, Gresham College Professor of Divinity, Master of the Savoy, Dean of Westminster, and held bishoprics in Lincoln, London, and Durham.