Hugh Curwen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hugh Curwen |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Oxford | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Oxford |
| In Office | 1567–1568 |
| Predecessor | Thomas Goldwell |
| Successor | John Underhill |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 8 September 1555 by Edmund Bonner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1500 Bampton, Cumbria |
| Died | 1 November 1568 Swinbrook |
| Buried | St John the Baptist, Burford |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Catholic 1528-1534; 1555-1558 Anglican 1534-1555; 1558-1567 |
| Previous post | Archbishop of Dublin (1555–1567) |
| Alma mater | Brasenose College, Oxford |
Hugh Curwen (around 1500 - November 1, 1568) was an important English church leader and government official. He served as the top church leader in Dublin, Ireland, and also as a high-ranking government minister there from 1555 to 1567. After that, he became a bishop in Oxford, England, until he passed away in 1568.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Hugh Curwen was born in a place called Bampton, Cumbria, in England. He likely studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university.
He had at least two brothers, Christopher and James. His brother James was the grandfather of Richard Bancroft. Richard Bancroft later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. He also helped oversee the creation of the King James Bible.
Hugh Curwen's Career and Roles
In 1528, Hugh Curwen earned a degree in church law. A few years later, in 1532, he completed another degree. In 1533, he became a rector, which is a type of priest, in a village called Ferriby.
Changes in Religion in England
The next year, in 1534, a big change happened in England. The country broke away from the Catholic Church and the Pope. Instead, the Church of England was formed, led by King Henry VIII.
In 1541, Curwen became a dean in Hereford. He then held several other important administrative jobs in the church.
Serving Under Queen Mary I
When Mary became queen in 1555, she brought back the Catholic religion. Hugh Curwen agreed with this change. He was chosen to be the Archbishop of Dublin in Ireland. He was officially made archbishop on September 8, 1555.
He also became the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. This was a very powerful government position. In 1557, he even served as the Lord Justice of Ireland. This meant he was in charge of Ireland when the main governor, the Earl of Sussex, was away.
Serving Under Queen Elizabeth I
When Elizabeth became queen in 1558, she changed the religion back again. She created the Religious Settlement, which established the Church of England once more. Only five Irish bishops accepted these new rules, and Hugh Curwen was one of them.
He continued to be the Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor until 1567. However, some people criticized him. They felt he was not doing enough to put Elizabeth's new religious changes into practice.
Later Years and Death
Hugh Curwen suffered from poor health, which made it hard for him to do his duties. In 1564, he helped his nephew, Richard Bancroft, get a job that paid well but didn't require much work.
By 1567, he was very ill and could barely speak. He was finally allowed to step down from his roles in Ireland in June 1567. After that, he became the Bishop of Oxford in England. He passed away at his home in Swinbrook in October 1568. He was buried at a church called St John the Baptist in Burford. The position of Bishop of Oxford remained empty until 1589, when John Underhill took over.
