Edward Worth (bishop) facts for kids
Edward Worth (born around 1620 – died August 2, 1669) was an important figure in the Church of Ireland. He is best remembered today for starting the Blue Coat School, a special school for poor boys in Cork, Ireland. During his lifetime, he was known for being very good at handling the tricky world of Irish politics in the 1600s. Even though he was skilled, he ended up as a bishop in a less important area.
Edward Worth was born in Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland. His father, James Worth, was a clergyman (a church leader). Edward's grandfather, Jasper Worth, had moved to Ireland from Prestbury, Cheshire, England, where the Worth family had lived for many years. Edward went to Trinity College Dublin in 1638 and earned a special degree called a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.).
Edward Worth's Career
In 1641, Edward Worth started his church career in a small area called Ringrone, near Kinsale. By 1645, he became the Dean of Cork. This was a big role, even though the main Bishop of Cork didn't approve. However, the local church leaders supported him.
During the confusing times of the 1640s and 1650s, when England didn't have a king (a period called the British Interregnum), Edward Worth stayed in Cork. He was very good at adapting to new political situations. He even became friends with Henry Cromwell, who was the son of the powerful leader Oliver Cromwell.
When King Charles II returned to power in 1660 (this was called the Restoration of Charles II), Edward Worth was still seen as loyal to the King. Because of this, King Charles II made him the Bishop of Killaloe. He officially became a bishop in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, on January 27, 1661.
Killaloe was a small and not very well-known area for a bishop. Edward Worth didn't have as much power there as he did when he worked with Henry Cromwell. Some people who strongly supported the King were not happy about Worth becoming a bishop, partly because of his past friendship with Cromwell. Also, his wife's different religious beliefs made some people unfairly think that Edward Worth had similar ideas.
Edward Worth passed away in Hackney, London, in 1669. He was buried in a church called St. Mildred's Church, Bread Street, in London. This church was later destroyed during World War II.
Edward Worth's Family
Edward Worth married Susannah Pepper. Her family, the Peppers, were related to the Earl of Cork, a very important family who helped Edward in his career.
Edward and Susannah's marriage had some difficulties. In 1656, Susannah became a Quaker, which was a different Christian group. In 1664, she was even arrested for going to a Quaker meeting in Dublin. Edward, on the other hand, was known for not liking Quakers or Baptists. Susannah becoming a Quaker caused problems between them that were never fully resolved. In his will (his last wishes), Edward even wrote that his wife should think about "how she had fallen" and "perform her first act" (meaning, return to her original faith).
They had four sons:
- William Worth (around 1646-1721), who became a lawyer and a judge.
- Edward Worth junior, who became a doctor.
- Michael, who sadly died young.
- John Worth (1648-1688), who became the Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral. John was the father of:
* Edward Worth, who was a famous politician, doctor, and book collector.
Edward and Susannah also had a daughter named Susannah. She married Captain Epinetus Cross. Their granddaughter, Susannah Griffith, was the mother of John Wandesford, 1st Earl Wandesford.
Edward Worth also loved collecting books. His collection likely started the amazing library of his grandson, Edward Worth the third. This collection still exists today and is kept at Dr Steevens' Hospital in Dublin.
Edward Worth was a wealthy man. He left a lot of land to his sons and money to start St Stephen's Hospital in Cork. This hospital was more famously known as the Blue Coat School for poor boys. This kind act is what Edward Worth is mostly remembered for today.
Images for kids
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St. Mildred's Church, Bread Street, where Worth was buried.
