Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt |
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| Archbishop of York | |
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Portrait by Thomas Phillips
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| Province | Province of York |
| Diocese | Diocese of York |
| Elected | 26 November 1807 (nominated) 19 January 1808 (confirmed) |
| Reign ended | 1847 (death) |
| Predecessor | William Markham |
| Successor | Thomas Musgrave |
| Other posts | Bishop of Carlisle (1791–1807) |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Edward Venables-Vernon |
| Born | 10 October 1757 Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire, England |
| Died | 5 November 1847 (aged 90) Bishopthorpe, Yorkshire, England |
| Buried | Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | George Venables-Vernon, 1st Baron Vernon |
| Spouse | Lady Anne Leveson-Gower |
| Children | 16 children |
| Profession | Clergyman |
| Education | Westminster School |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt (born October 10, 1757 – died November 5, 1847) was a very important leader in the Church of England. He served as the Bishop of Carlisle from 1791 to 1807. After that, he became the Archbishop of York, a top position, and held it until he passed away.
Edward was the third son of George Venables-Vernon, 1st Baron Vernon. In 1831, he added "Harcourt" to his name. This happened when he inherited land from his cousin, the last Earl Harcourt.
Early Life and Church Work
Edward Venables-Vernon was born in Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire. He went to Westminster School and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. After becoming a priest, he worked in his family's church in Sudbury, Derbyshire.
He also became a special church official called a canon at Christ Church, Oxford. In 1791, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Carlisle. A bishop is a senior leader in the church who oversees a specific area, called a diocese.
For 16 years, he managed the Carlisle area very well. He even spent more than his own salary to help the people in his diocese.
Becoming Archbishop of York
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After the previous Archbishop of York, William Markham, died, Edward Venables-Vernon was chosen for the role. This happened in November 1807. He officially became the Archbishop of York in January 1808.
In the same year, he became a privy councillor, which meant he was a special advisor to the King. He was also made the Lord High Almoner to George III. This important job meant he helped the King give money and aid to the poor. He continued this role even under Queen Victoria.
Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt was known for his love of hunting. A story says he almost didn't accept the Archbishop job because he thought he'd have to stop hunting. But his friends told him he could still hunt, as long as he didn't shout too much!
He was a member of the Queen's council that looked after George III when the King was ill. Edward was a good speaker and sometimes talked in the House of Lords (part of the British Parliament) about church matters. However, he usually stayed out of political arguments.
He lived through the reigns of five different kings and queens. People respected him for being kind and simple in character. In 1831, he changed his last name to Harcourt. This was because he inherited a lot of land from his cousin, William Harcourt, 3rd Earl Harcourt.
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In 1835, he became one of the first members of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. This group helped manage church property and income. In 1838, he was offered a special title called a peerage, but he said no. He didn't want anything to stop him from voting freely in Parliament.
York Minster, a famous cathedral, had two fires during his time as Archbishop, in 1829 and 1841. He gave a lot of money to help rebuild it both times.
Archbishop Harcourt gave his last sermon in York Minster in November 1838. He stayed healthy for a long time. However, in October 1847, he fell into a pond at Bishopthorpe when a bridge broke. Even though he kept working, he became partly paralyzed. He passed away at Bishopthorpe Palace on November 5, 1847. He was buried in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
A statue was built in his memory in York Minster in 1855.
Family Life
On February 5, 1784, Edward married Lady Anne Leveson-Gower. She was the daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford. They had a very large family with sixteen children! His wife passed away before him in 1832.
Many of his children became notable people:
- His second son, Leveson Vernon Harcourt, was a church leader and writer.
- His fourth son, William Vernon Harcourt, started the British Association for the Advancement of Science. This group helps promote science.
- Two of his sons became Admirals in the navy.
- His youngest daughter, Georgiana, was known for her translations.
Some of his children included:
- George Granville Vernon-Harcourt (1785–1861)
- The Reverend Leveson Venables-Vernon-Harcourt (1788–1860)
- Reverend William Vernon Harcourt (1789–1871)
- Admiral Frederick Edward Vernon-Harcourt (1790–1883)
- Granville Harcourt-Vernon (1792–1879)
- Vice-Admiral Octavius Henry Cyril Harcourt (1793–1863)
- Colonel Francis Venables-Vernon-Harcourt (1801–1880)
- Georgiana Charlotte Frances Harcourt (1807–1886)
Publications
Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt wrote and published several sermons:
- A Sermon preached before the Lords on the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of King Charles the First, 1794.
- A Sermon preached before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, 1798.
- A Sermon preached at the Coronation of George IV, 1821.
He also helped publish a book about the life of Margaret Godolphin, written by John Evelyn. This book had been passed down through his family.
See also
