Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin facts for kids
The Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral is the main leader of the Protestant St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. The people who run the cathedral, called the chapter, choose the Dean. This important job was created a long time ago, around 1219 or 1220. It was started by Archbishop Henry de Loundres through special papers given to the cathedral.
For many years, the Dean of St Patrick's was the only Dean in Dublin. People often called him the "Dean of Dublin." But after 1539, there was also a "Dean of Christ Church Cathedral." Christ Church used to be a priory, led by a prior and canons.
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Choosing the Dean
Only the cathedral's chapter has the power to choose the Dean of St Patrick's. This right has been strongly protected, even against kings, queens, and the Pope. For example, Jonathan Swift, a very famous writer who became Dean, was chosen even though Queen Anne didn't like him.
The Archbishop of Dublin is part of the group that votes. This group has 28 members, including the Dean and other important church leaders. The Archbishop only votes when a new Dean is being chosen.
Past Deans of St Patrick's
Many people have served as Dean over the centuries. Some of them held other important jobs at the cathedral before becoming Dean.
Before the Reformation
The Reformation was a big change in the church in the 1500s. Before this, the church in Ireland was part of the Roman Catholic Church.
- 1219–c.1238 – William FitzGuido: He was the very first Dean, chosen by Archbishop Henry de Loundres.
- c.1250–1275 – Richard de St. Martin: He was already a prebendary (a type of church official) at the cathedral.
- 1275–1284 – John de Sandford: He was a Franciscan monk and later became the Archbishop of Dublin.
- 1311–c.1338 – William de Rodyard: He was the Treasurer of the cathedral. He later became the first leader of the first University of Dublin.
- 1374–1382 – John Colton: He was also the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and later became the Archbishop of Armagh.
- 1401–?1428 – John Prene: The Pope tried to choose him, which was against the chapter's rights. But the King of England agreed to his appointment after the disagreement was sorted out.
After the Reformation to Disestablishment
The Reformation changed the church in Ireland. St Patrick's Cathedral became part of the Church of Ireland. "Disestablishment" happened later, meaning the Church of Ireland was no longer the official state church.
- 1537–1547 – Edward Bassenet: The King and Archbishop George Browne pushed for his election.
- 1555–1560 – Thomas Leverous: He was chosen by Queen Mary. He later refused to accept the King as the head of the church and lost his job.
- 1565–1567 – Adam Loftus: He became the Archbishop of Armagh, then the Archbishop of Dublin. He also helped start Trinity College, Dublin.
- 1573–1581 – Sir William Gerard: He was a lawyer and also the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. He felt bad about holding the Dean's job as a layman, but he kept it.
- 1581–1585 – Thomas Jones: He was the Chancellor of the cathedral. He later became the Archbishop of Dublin.
- 1625–1649 – Benjamin Culme: The Dean's office was empty for a while after him, during a time of big political changes in England and Ireland.
- 1660–1666 – William Fuller: He became a bishop and wrote a special song for the return of the monarchy in Ireland.
- 1691–1694 – Michael Jephson: He had been a leader at Christ Church Cathedral before coming to St Patrick's.
- 1713–1745 – Jonathan Swift: He was a famous writer, known for books like Gulliver's Travels. He was a very important Dean.
- 1818–1828 – Richard Ponsonby: He was the Precentor (a church official in charge of music). He later became a bishop.
- 1843–1864 – Henry Pakenham: During his time, the job of Dean of Christ Church was also held by the Dean of St Patrick's for a period.
After Disestablishment
After 1871, the Church of Ireland was no longer the official state church. This period continues to the present day.
- 1889–1901 – Henry Jellett: He had been an Archdeacon (another church leader) before becoming Dean.
- 1902–1911 – John Henry Bernard: He later became the Archbishop of Dublin and the leader of Trinity College, Dublin.
- 1924–1933 – Hugh Jackson Lawlor: He was a professor of church history at Trinity College, Dublin.
- 1950–1968 – William Cecil De Pauley
- 1969–1991 – Victor Gilbert Benjamin Griffin
- 1999–2012 – Robert MacCarthy
- 2016–present – William Morton: He is the current Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral.
