George Smalridge facts for kids
George Smalridge (also known as Smallridge) was an important English church leader. He was born on May 18, 1662, and passed away on September 27, 1719. He served as the Bishop of Bristol from 1714 until his death.
Contents
Life of George Smalridge
Early Years and School
George Smalridge was born in a town called Lichfield. His father, Thomas Smalridge, was the Sheriff of Lichfield. George started his education in Lichfield. He later went to Westminster School and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a very famous university.
Church Career and Views
After his studies, George Smalridge became a tutor at Christ Church. He was good friends with Francis Atterbury, and they shared many similar ideas. Smalridge worked as a minister in two chapels in London. For several years, he also helped William Jane, who was a professor of divinity at Oxford.
George Smalridge had strong beliefs that supported the old royal family, the Stuarts. These views were sometimes called "Jacobite" opinions. Because of these beliefs, he did not get the professor position when it became available in 1707.
In 1711, he became the dean of Carlisle Cathedral and also a canon at Christ Church. A "dean" is a senior leader in a cathedral, and a "canon" is a member of the clergy who works there. In 1713, he took over from his friend Atterbury as the dean of Christ Church.
Bishop of Bristol
The next year, in 1714, George Smalridge was chosen to be the Bishop of Bristol. A "bishop" is a high-ranking church leader who oversees a group of churches in a certain area. Even after becoming a bishop, he kept his job as the dean of Christ Church.
In 1715, Smalridge showed his strong beliefs again. He refused to sign a statement against James Francis Edward Stuart, who was known as the "Pretender" to the throne. Smalridge even wrote a paper explaining why he would not sign it. He also showed his dislike for the new royal family, the House of Hanover. However, his only punishment was losing his job as the king's "lord almoner," which was a position that managed royal charities.
Respected by Others
Many famous people of his time respected Bishop Smalridge. These included writers like Jonathan Swift and Richard Steele, and also William Whiston. Even Dr Johnson, a very well-known writer and dictionary maker, said that Smalridge's sermons were excellent.
Works by George Smalridge
George Smalridge wrote several works during his lifetime:
- Sixty Sermons, preached on Several Occasions: This was a collection of his sermons, first published in 1726. It was so popular that it was printed again many times.
- The Life of John Ernest Grabe: This was a biography he wrote about another scholar.
