John Gilbert (archbishop of York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend and Right Honourable John Gilbert |
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| Archbishop of York | |
Portrait by Thomas Hudson
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| Province | Province of York |
| Diocese | Diocese of York |
| In Office | 1757–1761 (death) |
| Predecessor | Matthew Hutton |
| Successor | Robert Hay Drummond |
| Other posts | Dean of Exeter (27 December 1726 {elected}–?) Bishop of Llandaff (28 December 1740–1749) Bishop of Salisbury (October 1749–1757) Chancellor of the Order of the Garter (1750–?) Clerk of the Closet (October 1752–?) Lord High Almoner (c. 1757–?) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 October 1693 |
| Died | 9 August 1761 (aged 67) Twickenham, Middlesex, Great Britain |
| Buried | Grosvenor Chapel |
| Nationality | British (formerly English) |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | John Gilbert & Martha |
| Spouse | Margaret Sherard married 2 May 1726 at St James's, Westminster she predeceased him |
| Children | Emma Countess of Mount Edgcumbe |
| Education | Merchant Taylors' School, City of London |
| Alma mater | Magdalen Hall, Oxford Trinity College, Oxford Merton College, Oxford |
John Gilbert (born 18 October 1693 – died 9 August 1761) was an important leader in the Church of England. He served as the Archbishop of York from 1757 until his death in 1761. This was a very high position in the church.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Gilbert was the son of John Gilbert, who was also a church leader. His father worked at Wadham College, Oxford and Exeter Cathedral.
Young John Gilbert went to Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. After school, he studied at Magdalen Hall, Oxford when he was 17. He later moved to Trinity College, Oxford, where he earned his first degree in 1715. In 1716, he became a Fellow at Merton College, Oxford. He continued his studies, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1718 and a law degree in 1725.
John Gilbert's Church Career
Because of his family's connections and his own skills, John Gilbert quickly moved up in the church. In 1721, he got his first church job in Ashburton, Devon. By 1723, he took over a position at Exeter Cathedral that his father had held.
In 1726, he became the Dean of Exeter. This was a significant leadership role. He also became a Canon at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. In 1740, he was made the Bishop of Llandaff, which meant he was in charge of the church in that area.
Moving Up in the Church
In 1749, Gilbert became the Bishop of Salisbury. As bishop, he also held the title of Chancellor of the Order of the Garter. This was an important role connected to a famous group of knights.
In 1752, he became the Clerk of the Closet, a personal advisor to the King or Queen on religious matters. His long career in the church reached its peak in 1757 when he was appointed Archbishop of York. This made him one of the two most powerful church leaders in England. He also became the Lord High Almoner, which involved giving money to the poor on behalf of the King.
As Archbishop of York
John Gilbert was Archbishop of York for about four years. During this time, his health was not very good. He was seen by some as a strong leader, but others found him a bit proud.
One story tells how he argued with the mayor of Salisbury about whether the civic mace (a special staff) could be carried inside the Salisbury Cathedral. Gilbert believed the cathedral was under his own church rules, not the city's.
He also changed how confirmation ceremonies were done. He was the first bishop to lay his hands on each person being confirmed at the altar. Then, he would say a special prayer for everyone together. This new way of doing things became very popular and is still used today.
Personal Life
John Gilbert married Margaret Sherard. She was the sister of a nobleman, Philip Sherard, 2nd Earl of Harborough. Margaret passed away before John did.
They had one daughter named Emma. Emma married George Edgcumbe, 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe in 1761. This wedding happened just three days before John Gilbert passed away.
John Gilbert died in Twickenham on August 9, 1761, when he was 68 years old. He was buried in a special vault at Grosvenor Chapel in London.
Legacy
John Gilbert did not write many books or articles. His main writings were sermons he gave on special occasions. There are also portraits of him, showing him wearing the robes of the Chancellor of the Order of the Garter.
