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George Murray (bishop of Rochester) facts for kids

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George Murray
Bishop of Rochester
Diocese Diocese of Rochester
In Office 1827–1860
Predecessor Hugh Percy
Successor Joseph Wigram
Other posts Dean of Worcester
1828–1845
Bishop of Sodor and Man
1813–1827
Orders
Consecration 6 March 1814
Personal details
Born (1784-01-12)12 January 1784
Farnham, Surrey
Died 16 February 1860(1860-02-16) (aged 76)
Chester Square, London
Buried Kensal Green, Middlesex
Nationality British
Denomination Christianity (Anglican)
Residence Chester Square, London
Parents George and Anne Murray
Spouse Sarah Hay-Drummond
Children 6 daughters; 5 sons inc.
George Hay Murray
Education Harrow School
Alma mater Christ Church, Oxford

George Murray (born January 12, 1784, died February 16, 1860) was an important leader in the Anglican Church, which is a type of Christian church. He served as the Bishop of Rochester for many years, from 1827 until he passed away in 1860. Before that, he held other important church jobs, like being the Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Dean of Worcester, and the Archdeacon of Man.

Early Life and School

George Murray was born in Farnham, a town in Surrey, England. His father, also named George Murray, was a bishop too. His family, the Murrays, were part of a famous Scottish clan.

His mother, Anne Charlotte, was the daughter of a general. She worked for Queen Charlotte, who was the wife of King George III. Anne Charlotte was a "Lady-in-Waiting," which meant she helped the Queen with her daily life. George's youngest sister, Amelia, was also a courtier and a writer.

George Murray went to Harrow School, a well-known school in England. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a college at the famous University of Oxford. He earned several degrees there, including a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts.

His Church Career

George Murray followed in his father's footsteps and became a church leader. In 1808, he became the Archdeacon of Man. This is an important role in the church, helping the bishop manage the churches in a certain area.

In 1813, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Sodor and Man. A bishop is a senior leader in the Christian church who oversees a group of churches called a diocese. He officially became a bishop in 1814.

Later, in 1827, he was elected the Bishop of Rochester. He held this position until he died. He also became the Dean of Worcester in 1828, another important church role, which he held until 1845.

Bishop Murray was known for his views on church matters. In 1843, he spoke about the "Oxford Movement," a group of people who wanted to bring back some older traditions to the Church of England. While he respected the people in the movement, he disagreed with some of their ideas, especially those written in their "Tracts for the Times" publications. He also published some of his own sermons and official church statements.

His Family Life

In 1811, George Murray married Sarah Hay-Drummond. Together, they had eleven children: five sons and six daughters.

Some of their children also became notable:

  • His son, Reverend George Edward Murray, became a rector, which is a priest in charge of a parish.
  • Another son, Canon Francis Henry Murray, was also a rector and an honorary canon at Canterbury Cathedral, a very famous church.
  • His son, Herbert Harley Murray, had an important career in government. He served as the Governor of Newfoundland and later became the Chairman of England's Board of Customs.
  • His daughter, Harriet Murray, married George Pratt, who was the 2nd Marquess Camden, a noble title.

George Murray passed away in London on February 16, 1860, at the age of 76, after being ill for some time. He was buried in the family vault at Kensal Green.

See also

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