John James Majendie facts for kids
John James Majendie (1709–1783) was an important church leader in England. He served as a Canon of Windsor from 1774 until he passed away in 1783. A Canon of Windsor is a senior priest who works at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, which is a famous royal church.
Contents
The Life of John James Majendie
Early Life and Family
John James Majendie was born in 1709. His father, André Majendie, was a Huguenot minister. Huguenots were French Protestants who faced challenges for their beliefs. Many, like André, had to leave France after the Edict of Nantes was cancelled. This law had previously given them some rights. André Majendie moved to England to find safety.
John James Majendie lived in London at 10 Denmark Street for many years, from 1758 to 1771.
Important Roles and Contributions
John James Majendie held several significant positions during his life. He was known for his work in both the church and education.
Teaching Royalty
He had a special role teaching members of the royal family:
- He was a tutor to the Prince of Wales (who later became King George III) and the Duke of York. A tutor is like a private teacher.
- He also taught Queen Charlotte, helping her learn the English language.
Church Positions
Majendie held several important roles within the Church of England:
- He was the Vicar of Stoke Prior from 1769 to 1783. A vicar is a priest in charge of a local church.
- He served as a Prebendary of Netheravon in Wiltshire from 1752 to 1783. A prebendary is a type of church official who receives income from a cathedral.
- He was also a Prebendary of the 8th Canonry at Worcester from 1769 to 1774.
- In 1774, he became a Canon at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He held this respected position until his death.
A Man of Science
Beyond his church and teaching duties, John James Majendie was also interested in science. In 1768, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. The Royal Society is a very old and famous group in the United Kingdom that promotes science. Being a Fellow means he was recognized as an important person in the world of knowledge and discovery.
Later Life and Legacy
John James Majendie passed away in 1783 at Weston, which is near Bath. His son, Henry William Majendie, followed in his footsteps and also became a significant church leader. Henry William Majendie later became the Bishop of Chester and then the Bishop of Bangor.
