George Hooper (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend George Hooper |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Bath and Wells | |
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| See | St Asaph Bath and Wells |
| Enthroned | 1704 |
| Predecessor | Richard Kidder |
| Successor | John Wynne |
| Other posts | Bishop of St Asaph 1703–1704 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 November 1640 Grimley, Worcestershire, England |
| Died | 6 September 1727 (aged 86) Barkley, Frome, Somerset, England |
| Buried | Wells Cathedral |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Parents | George Hooper, Joan Giles |
| Spouse | Abigail Guildford |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford, BA 1660, MA 1663, BD 1673, and DD 1677 |
George Hooper (born 18 November 1640 – died 6 September 1727) was an important English church leader. He lived in the late 1600s and early 1700s. He was known for being very smart and well-educated.
George Hooper served as a bishop in two different areas of England and Wales. First, he was the bishop of St Asaph in Wales. Later, he became the bishop of Bath and Wells in England. He also worked as a special spiritual advisor, called a chaplain, to members of the royal family.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Hooper was born in a place called Grimley in Worcestershire, England. This was on 18 November 1640. His father, also named George Hooper, was a gentleman. His mother was Joan Hooper.
His family later moved to Westminster. George went to St Paul's School in London. He then moved to Westminster School, which was a very good school. His teachers thought he was very promising.
In 1657, George Hooper went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university. He studied there and earned several degrees. He became a college tutor, helping other students. He also learned ancient languages like Hebrew and Syriac. These skills helped him understand old religious texts better.
Becoming a Clergyman
In 1673, a church leader named Bishop Morley asked George Hooper to be his chaplain. A chaplain is like a personal spiritual advisor. Hooper moved to Winchester to work with the bishop.
Around the same time, he became the priest for a church in Havant. He later moved to another church in East Woodhay. People who knew him said he was a perfect gentleman, a great scholar, and a respected religious leader.
Later, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Gilbert Sheldon, asked Hooper to be his chaplain. In 1675, Hooper became the priest of Lambeth church. He also took on another role at Exeter Cathedral.
Serving the Royal Family
In 1677, George Hooper went to Holland with Princess Mary. She was marrying the Prince of Orange. Hooper was her almoner, which meant he managed her charitable giving and spiritual needs.
His job was tricky because the Prince of Orange had different religious views. Hooper worked to make sure Princess Mary kept following the Church of England's services. He even discussed these matters with the Prince.
After about a year, Hooper returned to England to get married. He then went back to Holland for a few months. In 1680, he became a chaplain to King Charles II. He was also offered a teaching position at Oxford, but he said no.
In 1685, King James II asked Hooper to be with the Duke of Monmouth before his execution. Hooper was there on the scaffold with other bishops.
When there was a big change in the government, known as the Williamite Revolution, Hooper was one of the few church leaders who supported the new rulers. In 1691, Queen Mary made him the Dean of Canterbury. This was a high position in the church.
Later, in 1698, Princess Anne wanted Hooper to teach her son, the Duke of Gloucester. However, the king chose someone else for the job.
In 1701, Hooper was chosen to lead the lower house of the Convocation of Canterbury. This was a meeting of church leaders. He also turned down an offer to become the head of the church in Ireland.
Becoming a Bishop
In late 1702, George Hooper accepted the role of bishop of St Asaph. This was a church area in Wales.
In 1703, the position of Bishop of Bath and Wells became open. Queen Anne offered it to Hooper. However, Hooper felt that his friend, Thomas Ken, was the rightful bishop of Bath and Wells. Ken had been removed from the position earlier.
After some talks, Hooper agreed to become the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Ken then stopped using the title "Bishop of Bath and Wells" himself. The Queen also arranged for Ken to receive a yearly payment.
George Hooper was very happy as Bishop of Bath and Wells. He turned down other offers to move to different church areas. He also refused a place on the Privy Council, which was a group of royal advisors. He often preached sermons to the royal family.
In 1705, he spoke in the House of Lords about the state of the church. In 1706, he spoke against the union of England and Scotland. He also supported the Scottish Episcopal church. In 1709, he defended a clergyman named Henry Sacheverell.
Some people who disagreed with Hooper said he was ambitious. However, others, like William Whiston, spoke highly of him.
Family and Later Life
George Hooper married Abigail Guildford in 1678. He was nearly 87 years old when he died on 6 September 1727. He passed away at Barkley, near Frome, in his diocese. He had survived his wife by one year.
Out of his nine children, only one daughter was still alive when he died. She was married to John Prowse. George Hooper was buried in Wells Cathedral. A special marble monument was put there to remember him.
Works
George Hooper wrote several books and papers. Most of his writings, except for his sermons, were published without his name on them. He wrote about church history and religious topics. He also wrote a mathematical paper about how reliable human stories are.
