James Prince Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend James Prince Lee |
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| Bishop of Manchester | |
Mezzotint by Thomas Lupton (after a contemporary portrait by Sir John Watson Gordon)
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| Diocese | Manchester |
| Elected | 11 November 1847 |
| Enthroned | 11 February 1848 |
| Reign ended | 24 December 1869 |
| Successor | James Fraser |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1830 |
| Consecration | 23 January 1848 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 July 1804 London |
| Died | 24 December 1869 (aged 65) Mauldeth Hall, Heaton Norris, Lancashire |
| Buried | Heaton Mersey churchyard |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Residence | Mauldeth Hall |
| Parents | Stephen and Sarah Lee |
| Spouse | Susannah Penrice |
| Children | Two daughters: Sophia ; Susannah |
| Alma mater |
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James Prince Lee (born July 28, 1804 – died December 24, 1869) was an important English leader. He was a churchman and a teacher. He became the headmaster of King Edward's School, Birmingham and later the very first Bishop of Manchester.
Early Life and Education
James Prince Lee was born in London in 1804. He went to St Paul's School in London. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was very good at studying ancient languages like Latin and Greek.
He earned his first degree in 1828. In 1831, he received a master's degree. Later, in 1861, he was given a special degree called doctor of divinity. On December 25, 1830, he married Susannah Penrice. They had two daughters together.
A Career in Teaching
After becoming a priest in the Church of England in 1830, Lee started teaching. He worked as an assistant teacher at Rugby School. The headmaster, Thomas Arnold, thought very highly of him.
In 1837, he became a rector (a type of church leader) in Ayot St Peter. The next year, in 1838, he became the headmaster of King Edward's School, Birmingham. Many of his students became famous. These included Edward Burne-Jones, Richard Watson Dixon, and Edward White Benson. There is even a house at the school named after him today. In 1847, he was also made an honorary canon of Worcester Cathedral.
Becoming a Bishop
On October 23, 1847, James Prince Lee was chosen for a very important role. Queen Victoria nominated him to be the first bishop of the new Anglican Diocese of Manchester. This decision was made with advice from the prime minister, Lord John Russell.
He was officially elected on November 17, 1847. Then, he was made a bishop on January 23, 1848. He began his work at Manchester Cathedral on February 11, 1848.
His Work as Bishop
Some church leaders found Bishop Lee's teaching style a bit strict. However, he did a lot of good work for the church. During his 21 years as bishop, he helped build and open 130 new churches.
In 1849, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor for people who have done great things in science. He also played a big part in starting the Manchester free library in 1852. He later gave his own large collection of valuable books to Owens College.
Bishop Lee passed away at his home, Mauldeth Hall, in Stockport, in 1869. He was buried in Heaton Mersey churchyard. A special sermon was given in his memory by Rev. Edward Benson. Benson later became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
