George Browne (archbishop of Dublin) facts for kids

George Browne (died 1556) was an English church leader. He was chosen by Henry VIII of England to become the Archbishop of Dublin. He played a key role in helping King Henry VIII set up the new state church in Ireland. Browne was known for removing religious symbols and images from churches during this time of big change.

Early Life and Appointment

We don't know much about George Browne's family or when and where he was born. He was a leader in a group of monks called the Augustinians in England. In 1534, he helped give an oath to other monks. This oath was about accepting the King's new rules for the church.

Browne became well-liked by King Henry VIII. He advised people to look to Christ for help during the religious changes. Because of this, he was chosen to be the Archbishop of Dublin. The previous archbishop, John Alen, had died in 1534. Browne was officially made archbishop in March 1536 and arrived in Dublin in July 1536.

King Henry VIII's Church Changes

King Henry VIII wanted to make the church in Ireland independent from the Pope in Rome. He chose Browne for the Dublin role without asking the Pope. This made many church leaders in Dublin unhappy.

Browne faced a lot of resistance from the local clergy. He had to send his own helpers to remove the Pope's name from church service books. He also gathered and burned many holy relics from Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, including a famous staff called the "Staff of Jesus."

Browne helped close down many religious houses (monasteries) and changed how churches like Christ Church Cathedral were run. The Irish Parliament, with Browne's help, passed laws that made the King the supreme head of the Irish church. Browne also helped the King collect taxes from the church. He traveled around, preaching and explaining the King's new rules. He even created a special prayer that linked the Church of Ireland with the Church of England under the King's rule.

However, Browne faced many challenges in Ireland. Other church leaders, like Edward Staples, the Bishop of Meath, openly disliked him. The King's chief representative in Ireland, Leonard Grey, 1st Viscount Grane, also treated Browne badly and even put him in prison once.

King Edward VI's Changes

After King Henry VIII died, his son Edward VI of England became king. Edward VI continued to change the church. Browne introduced the new English church service, called the "Book of Common Prayer," in Dublin's cathedral. He also got married, which was a big change from the old church rules.

In 1550, efforts to bring English religious changes to Ireland continued. A meeting was called in Dublin for bishops and clergy. The King's representative ordered the church service to be in English. Many bishops, led by George Dowdall, left the meeting in protest. But Browne advised everyone to accept the new rules. On the next Easter Sunday, the English service was used for the first time in Dublin, with Browne giving the sermon.

Queen Mary I's Return to Old Ways

When Mary I of England became Queen in 1553, she wanted to bring back the old Catholic religion. This meant big changes for people like Browne. Another bishop, John Bale, had to flee for his life, and Browne refused to let him preach in Dublin.

Under Queen Mary, Dublin's special status as the main church was taken away. George Dowdall, who had opposed the changes, was made Archbishop of Armagh again. Browne was removed from his position because he was married, which was against the rules of the Catholic Church.

Two years later, in 1555, a new archbishop, Hugh Curwen, was appointed. George Browne likely died around 1556, shortly after being removed from his role.

Biography Summary

A historian named James Ussher described George Browne as a cheerful and honest person. He was kind to the poor and cared about people's souls. He advised people to focus on Christ, which caught King Henry VIII's attention and led to his appointment as archbishop.

Within five years of becoming archbishop, Browne removed many religious symbols and images from churches in Dublin. He also had the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed placed around altars. He was one of the first church leaders in Ireland to switch from the Roman Catholic religion to support the new Church of England.