George Thomas Stokes facts for kids
George Thomas Stokes (1843–1898) was an Irish historian who specialized in the history of the church. He was also a priest and a professor.
Life and Work
George Thomas Stokes was born in Athlone, Ireland, on December 28, 1843. He was the oldest son of John Stokes and Margaret Forster. He went to school in Galway and then studied at Trinity College, Dublin, where he earned several degrees.
In 1866, George became a priest in the Church of Ireland. He first worked in Dunkerrin and then in St. Patrick's, Newry. In 1868, he became the first vicar (a type of church leader) at All Saints Church in Newtown Park, Dublin. He stayed there until he passed away. Later, in 1893, he was also chosen to be a canon at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.
George became very interested in the history of the church in Ireland. In 1883, he became a professor of church history at the University of Dublin. He wrote several important books about Irish church history.
His first major book, Ireland and the Celtic Church, was published in 1886 and was very popular. In 1888, he wrote Ireland and the Anglo-Norman Church. This book continued the story of Christianity in Ireland.
George also wrote a commentary on the "Acts of the Apostles" for a series called Expositor's Bible in 1891. He published a book on Mediaeval History in 1887. He also edited a book called Tour in Ireland by Bishop Pococke in 1891.
He often wrote articles about theology and church history for magazines like the Contemporary Review. He also presented many papers to groups like the Royal Society of Antiquaries in Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy. In 1887, he became the librarian of St. Patrick's Library in Dublin, while still doing his church duties.
In 1890, George had a stroke, which affected his health. Even so, he continued to work. In 1896, he gave lectures on "How to write a Parochial History." The next year, he started a series of lectures about important Irish churchmen from the 1600s and 1700s. He didn't finish these lectures, but they were published after his death as Some Worthies of the Irish Church.
George Thomas Stokes passed away on March 24, 1898, after getting pneumonia. He was buried in Dean's Grange, Dublin.
Family Life
George Thomas Stokes was married twice. His first wife was Fanny Pusey. His second wife was Katherine Dudgeon.
