Edmund Goodenough facts for kids

Edmund Goodenough (born 1786, died 1845) was an important English church leader. He became the dean of Wells in 1831.

Early Life and Education

Edmund Goodenough was born on April 3, 1785, in Baling, Middlesex. He was the youngest son of Samuel Goodenough, who was a bishop (a high-ranking church official) of Carlisle.

When he was young, Edmund went to Westminster School. He was very smart and was chosen to join the college there at just 12 years old in 1797. Later, in 1801, he went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous college at Oxford University. He did very well in his studies, earning his first degree (B.A.) in 1805 and his doctorate (D.D.) in 1820.

Career in the Church and Education

After finishing his studies, Goodenough became a tutor and censor at Christ Church. In 1810, he started working as a curate (a church assistant) in Cowley, near Oxford.

He was chosen by the university to be a math examiner in 1811. In 1816, he served as a proctor, which is an official who helps keep order at the university. He also gave special sermons to the university in 1817. The next year, he became the vicar (a type of priest) of Warkworth, in Northumberland.

In 1819, Goodenough became the headmaster of Westminster School, where he had studied as a boy. He also became a subalmoner to the king, helping with royal charities.

Later Church Roles

Goodenough received several important church appointments:

• In 1824, he became a prebendary (a type of church official) of York.
• In 1826, he became a prebendary of Carlisle.
• In 1827, he became a prebendary of Westminster.

He stopped being headmaster of Westminster School in 1828. During his time, the number of students at the school had gone down. In 1824, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group of important scientists. He also joined its council in 1828.

On September 6, 1831, he was named the dean of Wells, a very important position at Wells Cathedral. He also served for a short time as the prolocutor, a leader in the lower house of the Church of England's assembly.

Edmund Goodenough died suddenly in Wells on May 2, 1845, at the age of 59. He was buried in the Lady Chapel of Wells Cathedral. There is a special brass plaque there to remember him.

Published Works

Edmund Goodenough published several sermons, which are speeches given in church. These include:

• 'A Sermon preached at Lambeth in 1820, for the Consecration of Bishop W. Carey.' (London, 1821)
• 'A Sermon preached at the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy in 1830.' (London, 1830)
• 'A Sermon preached in Bath Abbey Church in 1832, for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.' (London, 1832)

Family Life

On May 31, 1821, Edmund Goodenough married Frances Cockerell. She was the daughter of Samuel Pepys Cockerell. They had many children, including two sons who became notable: James Graham Goodenough and William Howley Goodenough. His wife, Frances, passed away in Málaga on August 5, 1855, and was buried there.