John Fisher (bishop of Salisbury) facts for kids
John Fisher (born 1748 in Hampton; died May 8, 1825, in London) was an important bishop in the Church of England. He served as the Bishop of Exeter and later as the Bishop of Salisbury. He was also a close friend and supporter of the famous painter John Constable.
A Life of Service
John Fisher was the oldest son of John Fisher, who was a rector (a type of church leader) in Calbourne, Isle of Wight. He went to school in Peterborough and St Paul's School in London. Later, he studied at Peterhouse and St John's College at Cambridge University. He graduated in 1770.
In 1780, John Fisher became a teacher, or "Preceptor," to Prince Edward. Prince Edward was the son of King George III. In 1781, Fisher became a chaplain to King George III. He also held a special role called Deputy Clerk of the Closet until 1785.
In 1786, he became a Canon at St George's Chapel, Windsor. In 1805, he was made a teacher to Princess Charlotte. She was the only child of the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. Fisher also served as the Chancellor of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Bishop and Patron
John Fisher became the Bishop of Exeter in 1803. In 1807, he became the Bishop of Salisbury. He held this important position until he passed away in 1825. As Bishop of Salisbury, he was also automatically the Chancellor of the Order of the Garter.
Bishop Fisher is also well-known for his friendship with the painter John Constable. Fisher was present at Constable's wedding. He also asked Constable to paint his famous work, Salisbury Cathedral. Over time, Fisher became Constable's most important supporter and a very close friend. People sometimes called Fisher 'King's Fisher' because of his connections to the Royal Family. His support was very helpful for Constable's career.
Later, Bishop Fisher introduced the painter to his nephew, also named John Fisher. The nephew was the son of the Bishop's brother, Philip. The younger John Fisher later became a church leader called the Archdeacon of Berkshire. He became Constable's best friend and another important supporter. The painter even spent his honeymoon at the younger John Fisher's home in Osmington, Dorset.
The friendship between the Fisher families and the painter was so strong that a book about Constable's life was written using their letters. This book, Memoirs of the Life of John Constable, was written by C. R. Leslie in 1843.
When Bishop Fisher died, Constable honored him in a painting. It showed a rainbow over Fisher's house in Salisbury. Bishop Fisher is buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor. There is also a special funerary monument for him in Salisbury Cathedral. It was sculpted by William Osmond.
Family Life
John Fisher married Dorothea Scrivener. She was the daughter of John Freston. Dorothea brought a large income to the marriage from her family's estates.
The couple had three children. Their son, Edward Fisher, never married. They had two daughters. Dorothea married John Frederick Pike, who then added Scrivener to his name. Their other daughter, Elizabeth, married John Mirehouse. He was a lawyer who served as the Common Serjeant of London from 1833 to 1850.
