Henry Ussher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Henry Ussher |
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| Archbishop of Armagh Primate of All Ireland |
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| Church | Church of Ireland |
| Archdiocese | Armagh |
| In Office | 1595–1613 |
| Predecessor | John Garvey |
| Successor | Christopher Hampton |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | August 1595 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1550 Dublin, Kingdom of Ireland |
| Died | 2 April 1613 Termonfechin, Kingdom of Ireland |
| Buried | St. Peter's, Drogheda |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse | (1) Margaret Elliott (2) Mary Smith |
| Alma mater | Magdalene College, Cambridge University of Paris University College, Oxford |
Henry Ussher (around 1550 – April 2, 1613) was an important Irish church leader. He helped start Trinity College Dublin, which is a famous university. He also became the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh.
Contents
Henry Ussher's Life Story
Henry Ussher was born in Dublin around 1550. He was one of five sons. His mother was Margaret Geydon, whose father was an alderman (a senior member of a city council) in Dublin. Henry Ussher had two famous nephews, Ambrose Ussher and James Ussher, who were sons of his brother Arnold. His sister Rose married John Garvey, who was the Archbishop of Armagh before Henry.
His Education and Early Career
Henry Ussher went to Magdalene College, Cambridge University in England in 1567. He earned his first degree there in 1570. He continued his studies in Paris, France, and then at University College, Oxford in England. He earned his master's degree in 1572.
After his studies, he started his church career. In 1573, he became the treasurer of Christ Church, Dublin, an important church. In 1580, he was made the Archdeacon of Dublin. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage the church's affairs in a certain area. He worked closely with Adam Loftus, who was the Archbishop of Dublin.
Helping to Create Trinity College Dublin
For many years, people in Dublin wanted to build a new university. The old university in Dublin had stopped working. As early as 1563, there were talks about turning St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin into a university.
In 1591, the city of Dublin offered a piece of land where an old monastery used to be. This land was perfect for a new university. Henry Ussher was chosen to go to London to ask the King for permission to build the university.
On January 13, 1592, he received the King's approval. On March 3, 1592, the official document to start the university was signed. This document named Ussher as one of the first three "fellows," which are like senior teachers or researchers. Even though he was named, he didn't actually work as a fellow.
Becoming Archbishop of Armagh
In 1595, Henry Ussher's brother-in-law, John Garvey, who was the Archbishop of Armagh, passed away. Henry Ussher was then appointed to take his place as the Archbishop of Armagh. He was officially made archbishop in August 1595.
Henry Ussher passed away at his home in Termonfeckin on April 2, 1613. He was buried at St. Peter's Church in Drogheda.
Henry Ussher's Family
Henry Ussher was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Elliott, whom he married around 1573. She was the daughter of Thomas Elliott. With Margaret, Henry had eight sons and two daughters.
His second wife was Mary Smith, who lived longer than him. They had three daughters together. After Henry passed away, Mary remarried twice.
His Children's Achievements
Many of Henry Ussher's children also became important people:
- His oldest son, Marcus Ussher, became a Member of Parliament for Armagh.
- His youngest son, Robert Ussher, became the Provost (head) of Trinity College Dublin from 1629 to 1634. He also became the Bishop of Kildare.
- Another son, Luke Ussher, became the Archdeacon of Armagh.
- His daughter Rose married Sir Edward Trevor. Through them, Henry Ussher became the grandfather of Marcus Trevor, 1st Viscount Dungannon, who was a well-known figure.
