George Aglionby facts for kids
George Aglionby (born around 1603, died 1643) was an English church leader. He supported the King during the English Civil War. People called him a Royalist. In 1643, he was chosen to be the Dean of Canterbury. This was a very important church position. He was also part of a group of smart thinkers. This group was called the Great Tew intellectual circle. He was good friends with Thomas Hobbes, a famous philosopher.
His Life and Work
George Aglionby was the son of John Aglionby. He went to Westminster School. Then he went to Christ Church, Oxford when he was 16 years old. He studied hard and earned several degrees there.
Later, he became a tutor for the children of Countess Christian Cavendish. He taught William Cavendish, 3rd Earl of Devonshire. Before him, Thomas Hobbes had been the tutor for the family. George Aglionby wrote letters to Hobbes about the Cavendish family. He also joined the Great Tew circle. This was a group of important thinkers.
In 1632, George Aglionby became the vicar of Cassington in Oxfordshire. A vicar is a type of church minister. In 1638, he got a special job at Westminster Abbey. This happened after his uncle, Dr. John King, passed away. The next year, he became a prebendary of Chichester. In 1642, he was made the Dean of Chichester. He also worked as a master at Westminster School for some time. He was a tutor for the young George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham.
He lost his job at Westminster Abbey. He was never officially installed as the Dean of Canterbury. This was because of the war happening at the time. He probably never even visited that cathedral. He died from a disease in Oxford in November 1643. He was buried in Christ Church Cathedral there.
His Family
In 1635, George Aglionby married Sibilla Smith. She was from St. Martin-in-the Fields, London. Some people believe that William Aglionby was their son.
