John Garvey (bishop) facts for kids

John Garvey (1527–1595) was an important Irish church leader. He served as a Bishop of Kilmore and later became the Archbishop of Armagh. These were significant roles in the Church of Ireland during his time.

John Garvey's Journey

John Garvey was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, around 1527. He was the oldest son of John O'Garvey. He went to the University of Oxford in England and finished his studies during the time of King Edward VI.

Early Church Roles

John Garvey began his church career in 1558. He was first appointed as the Dean of Ferns, which is a senior position in a cathedral. The next year, in 1559, he became the archdeacon of Meath and a rector in Kells. In 1560, he also joined St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin as a prebend.

Becoming a Royal Advisor

In 1561, he received special permission from the Crown to be considered a full citizen. He became an important advisor to the Crown. In 1565, he was made the dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. He also became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of important advisors to the ruler of Ireland.

Rising Through the Ranks

In 1585, John Garvey was promoted to Bishop of Kilmore. This happened because Sir John Perrot, who was the Lord Deputy of Ireland (the Queen's representative), recommended him. He was allowed to keep his earlier roles as dean and archdeacon at the same time.

In May 1589, he moved from Kilmore to become the Archbishop of Armagh. This was a very high position in the church. He still kept his other church roles. As a reward for his service, he didn't have to pay the usual fees for starting his new job.

In 1591, he helped raise money for the building of Trinity College, Dublin. This was a new university. John Garvey passed away in Dublin on March 2, 1595. He was buried at Christ Church Cathedral.

His Family Life

John Garvey was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Plunket. She was the daughter of Christopher Plunket and Catherine Bermingham. Margaret's brother was Sir John Plunket, a very important judge in Ireland. John and Margaret had eight children, including their oldest son, Sir Christopher Garvey.

His second wife was Rose Money. She was the widow of Alderman John Money. Rose's father was Thomas Ussher. Interestingly, John Garvey's successor as Archbishop of Armagh was Henry Ussher, who was Rose's brother.

What Did He Write?

A book called The Conversion of Philip Corwine, a Franciscan Friar, to the Reformation of the Protestant Religion, an. 1589 is sometimes said to be written by John Garvey. It was published in 1681. However, some historians question if this work was truly written by him.