George Boleyn (priest) facts for kids

George Boleyn, who became the Dean of Lichfield, was an interesting person at the court of his relative, Queen Elizabeth I of England. He died in 1603.

Who Was George Boleyn?

Not much is known about George Boleyn's early life. One idea is that he was the son of George Boleyn and Jane Parker. If this is true, he would have been Queen Elizabeth I's first cousin.

However, another idea suggests he couldn't have been their son because there are no records of them having children. This theory says he was more likely a distant cousin of Anne Boleyn, who was Queen Elizabeth I's mother. No matter his exact family background, George Boleyn survived the difficult times when Anne Boleyn and her family faced problems.

His Education and Learning

George Boleyn started studying at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in November 1544. He joined as a sizar, which meant he received financial help for his studies, often in exchange for doing certain duties.

While at Cambridge, he was taught by John Whitgift, who later became a very important church leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury. George Boleyn earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1552 and then his master's degree (M.A.) in 1560.

Becoming a Church Leader

George Boleyn began his career in the church on August 3, 1560. He was given a position called prebendary at the church in York. After that, he held several other church roles, including being a rector in Nottinghamshire and a prebendary in Chichester.

In December 1566, he became a canon at the church of Canterbury. The next year, he earned another degree, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.).

Challenges and New Roles

In September 1573, during a church review in Canterbury, some complaints were made against George Boleyn. People said he had a quick temper. He even admitted that he would sometimes swear when he got angry.

However, he didn't stay in Canterbury for long. In February 1574, he was given the role of rector at a church in London. Then, on December 22, 1576, he became the dean of Lichfield. This was a very important position. He had earned his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree earlier that same year.

In 1582, George Boleyn had a big disagreement with John Aylmer, who was the bishop of his area. The bishop was trying to get more money from the clergy (church leaders). Boleyn was a strong and smart person, and he fought against the bishop's actions. He eventually took his case to the Queen's special advisors, who asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to investigate.

Around August 1592, George Boleyn left his role as rector in London. In 1595, after some challenges, he was appointed rector of Bangor.

George Boleyn passed away in January 1603. He was buried in Lichfield Cathedral, where there is a special monument to remember him.