Charles Agar, 1st Earl of Normanton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend The Earl of Normanton DCL |
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| Archbishop of Dublin Bishop of Glendalough Primate of Ireland |
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Portrait by George Romney
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| Church | Church of Ireland |
| Diocese | Dublin and Glendalough |
| Appointed | 7 December 1801 |
| In Office | 1801-1809 |
| Predecessor | Robert Fowler |
| Successor | Euseby Cleaver |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 20 March 1768 by Arthur Smyth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 December 1736 Gowran Castle, County Kilkenny, Kingdom of Ireland |
| Died | 14 July 1809 (aged 72) London, England |
| Buried | Westminster Abbey |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Henry Agar and Anne Ellis |
| Spouse | Jane Benson |
| Children | 4 |
| Previous post | Bishop of Cloyne (1768-1779) Archbishop of Cashel (1779-1801) |
| Education | Westminster School |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Charles Agar (born December 22, 1736 – died July 14, 1809) was an important Anglo-Irish church leader. He worked for the Church of Ireland, which is a Christian church in Ireland. He held several important positions during his life. These included being the Dean of Kilmore, the Bishop of Cloyne, and the Archbishop of Cashel. His final role was the Archbishop of Dublin, which he held from 1801 until he passed away.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Agar was born on December 22, 1736. His family lived in Gowran, a town in County Kilkenny, Ireland. He was the third son of Henry Agar and Anne Ellis. His mother's father, Welbore Ellis, was also a bishop. Charles had two brothers, James Agar, 1st Viscount Clifden and Welbore Ellis Agar. Welbore was known for collecting art.
Charles went to school at Westminster School in London. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university. He started there in 1755 when he was 18 years old. He earned his first degree in 1759. Later, in 1765, he received a special law degree called a Doctor of Civil Law.
His Church Career
Charles Agar held strong beliefs within his church. He began his church career as the Dean of Kilmore. He served in this role from 1765 to 1768. After that, he became the Bishop of Cloyne, a position he held until 1779.
In 1776, Charles Agar married Jane Benson. She was from Downpatrick, a town in County Down, Ireland.
Becoming an Archbishop
In 1779, Charles Agar was chosen to be the Archbishop of Cashel. This was a very important job in the church. At the same time, he also joined the Irish Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King in Ireland.
While he was the Archbishop of Cashel, a new church building was finished. This was St. John's Cathedral, Cashel, completed in 1784. Two years later, a large organ was built for the cathedral. It was made by a famous organ builder named Samuel Green.
Later Titles and Roles
Charles Agar received several special titles during his life. In 1794, he was given the title of Baron Somerton. This made him a Peer of Ireland, which meant he was a member of the Irish nobility.
In 1801, he moved to a new church role. He became the Archbishop of Dublin. This was an even higher position. At the same time, he was given another title: Viscount Somerton.
His honors continued in 1806 when he became the Earl of Normanton. All these titles were part of the Peerage of Ireland. He remained the Archbishop of Dublin until he died in 1809.
From 1801 onwards, he also served in the House of Lords in London. This was because of the Acts of Union 1800. These laws joined Ireland and Great Britain into one country. Charles Agar was one of the first 28 Irish leaders to represent Ireland in the British Parliament.
Death and Burial
Archbishop Normanton passed away in July 1809. He was 72 years old. His son, Welbore Ellis Agar, took over his family titles.
Charles Agar was buried in Westminster Abbey in London. This is a very famous church where many important people are buried. His wife, Jane, Countess of Normanton, was buried next to him when she died in 1826. His tomb was created in 1815 by a sculptor named John Bacon.
