James Downhame facts for kids

James Downham was an important church leader in Ireland. He held the position of Dean of Armagh from 1667 until he passed away in 1681. A Dean is a senior priest in a cathedral.

His Early Life and Studies

James Downham was the youngest son of Bishop George Downhame. His father was a Bishop in Derry from 1616 to 1634. James's mother was Ann Harrison.

James was born in Great Munden, Hertfordshire, England. He was baptized there on February 24, 1611.

We don't know exactly where James went to school. However, when he was appointed Dean of Armagh, he was described as a "Bachelor of Divinity." This means he had studied religion at a high level.

Early Church Roles

In September 1634, James Downham became a Prebend of Moville. This was in Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland. His father had helped set up this church position in 1629.

By 1656, James was working as a government-paid Minister in Moville. During this time, the church's land, called a glebe, had been taken by the government. Many church leaders in other parts of Ulster were removed from their jobs. However, the clergy in Inishowen were mostly safe from these changes until about 1657.

Land and Property

Records from 1654-1656 show that James Downham held land that belonged to the Bishopric of Derry. These lands were in the Inishowen areas of Clonmany and Clonca.

He also said he had a 40-year agreement to use church lands in Clondermot. His father had given him this agreement.

James also inherited 750 acres of church land in Lifford. He received this land after his brother William passed away. In 1656, he also inherited a house, church lands, and other items from his stepmother, Dame Margery Roe.

Important Church Positions

After the Restoration (when the king returned to power), James Downham gained another church position. He became a Prebend of Tynan in County Armagh. He held this job along with being the rector of Derrynoose.

In 1661, the Irish House of Lords agreed to his request. They gave him back the church lands (glebes) that belonged to Tynan and Derrynoose. These lands had been used by others during the time of the Commonwealth.

James officially became the Dean of Armagh on January 10, 1668. He was also the Rector and Vicar of Armagh. In October 1668, he was appointed to a valuable church position in Clonfeacle. This happened at the request of the Archbishop of Armagh. After this, he stopped being the rector of Derrynoose.

His Death and Family

In 1668, James Downham was described as "a grave man." He passed away in June or July of 1681.

He had two daughters who inherited his property:

• Ann married Arthur Newburgh, who was a High Sheriff of Tyrone in 1667.
• Jane married Walter Cope. Jane was the grandmother of Walter Cope, who later became a Bishop in Ireland from 1782 to 1787.