Henry Gandy facts for kids

Henry Gandy (1649–1734) was an important English bishop. He was part of a group called "non-jurors." These were people who refused to swear loyalty to the new King William III and Queen Mary II. They believed the previous king, James II, was still the rightful ruler.

Henry Gandy's Life Story

Early Years and Education

Henry Gandy was born on October 14, 1649. His father, John Gandy, was a priest from South Brent, Devon. During the English Civil War, his father lost his job as a priest.

Henry started at Merchant Taylors' School in 1663. Later, he went to Oriel College, Oxford. He began his studies there on March 15, 1667. He earned his first degree (B.A.) on October 17, 1670. He then got his M.A. degree in 1674. Henry became a Fellow at Oriel College on November 30, 1670. He also served as a proctor, which is a university official, starting in 1683.

A Time of Change and Loyalty

In 1690, Henry Gandy was a senior Fellow at Oriel College. However, he lost his position. This happened because he refused to swear an oath of loyalty to King William III and Queen Mary II. He was a "non-juror," meaning he would not take the oath.

As a non-juror, Gandy became a key writer. He wrote many articles, often without signing his name. He strongly believed that the split in the Church of England should continue. This was even when Thomas Ken, a respected bishop, wanted to heal the division in 1710. Some people, like Henry Dodwell and Robert Nelson, then returned to the main Church of England.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1716, Henry Gandy became a bishop. He was consecrated by other non-juring bishops, including Jeremy Collier and Nathaniel Spinckes.

A disagreement about church practices, called "usages," came up in 1717. Gandy chose to follow Spinckes's group. They wanted to stay close to the traditional Church of England rituals. In 1720, Gandy, Spinckes, and Samuel Hawes consecrated Hilkiah Bedford as a bishop. Gandy also helped consecrate John Blackbourne in 1725. In 1726, he helped consecrate Henry Hall. He also led the consecration of Richard Rawlinson in 1728. In the same year, he helped consecrate George Smith (1693–1756).

Later Life and Legacy

Henry Gandy passed away on February 26, 1734. He died in Scroop's Court, Holborn, where his church was located. He was buried in St Pancras churchyard. He left behind his wife, Ann, and his daughter, Anne. After his death, his church congregation was led by Richard Rawlinson and Robert Gordon.

Henry Gandy's Writings

Henry Gandy wrote several important books and papers. Many of these were published without his name on them. His works included:

• A Letter in Vindication of the Answer to the Queries concerning Schism and Toleration, 1701.
• Old England ... the Government of England . . . hereditary, 1705.
• Jure Divino: or an Answer to all ... Republicans, 1707.
• Bibliotheca Scriptorum Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ. . . . Tracts relating to the government ... of the Church of England, 1709.
• A Conference between Gerontius and Junius. In which Mr. Dodwell's "Case in View now in Fact" is considered, 1711.

He also wrote an introduction for a book called The Subject's Sorrow in 1710. This book was written by Robert Brown.