Joseph Wilcocks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Joseph Wilcocks |
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| Bishop of Rochester | |
Portrait by John Vanderbank
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| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Diocese of Rochester |
| Elected | 21 June 1731 |
| Reign ended | 1756 (death) |
| Predecessor | Samuel Bradford |
| Successor | Zachary Pearce |
| Other posts | Dean of Westminster 1731 Bishop of Gloucester 1721–1731 |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 3 December 1721 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 December 1673 Bristol |
| Died | 28 February 1756 (aged 82) |
| Buried | Westminster Abbey |
| Nationality | English/British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Joseph Wilcocks |
| Spouse | Jane Milner |
| Children | at least 1 son |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Oxford |
Joseph Wilcocks (born 19 December 1673 – died 28 February 1756) was an important English church leader. He held several key positions in the Church of England. He became a bishop in two different areas: first for Gloucester and later for Rochester. He was also the Dean of Westminster, which meant he was in charge of the famous Westminster Abbey.
Contents
Joseph Wilcocks: A Life in the Church
Early Life and Education
Joseph Wilcocks was born in Bristol. His father, also named Joseph Wilcocks, was a doctor. Young Joseph started his education at Merchant Taylors' School when he was about 10 years old.
Later, he went to St John's College, Oxford, a famous university. He continued his studies at Magdalen College, also in Oxford. He earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and later, two doctorates in divinity (B.D. and D.D.). This shows he was a very dedicated student.
Becoming a Church Leader
Joseph Wilcocks began his career in the church by serving as a chaplain. A chaplain is a priest who works in a special place, like a hospital or an embassy. He was a chaplain for the English community in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1709.
When he returned to England, he became a chaplain to King George I. He also taught the daughters of the Prince of Wales, who later became King George II. This was a very important role, showing he was trusted by the royal family.
In 1721, he became a prebendary of Westminster. This meant he was a senior member of the clergy at Westminster Abbey. Soon after, on 3 December 1721, he was made the Bishop of Gloucester. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the church, overseeing many churches and priests in a specific area called a diocese.
Leading Westminster Abbey
In 1731, Joseph Wilcocks took on even more responsibilities. On 21 June, he became the Dean of Westminster. This made him the head of Westminster Abbey, a very famous and historic church in London. On the same day, he was also named the Bishop of Rochester.
He was offered an even higher position, the Archbishop of York, but he chose not to take it. Instead, he wanted to focus on his work at Westminster Abbey. He was especially dedicated to finishing the building of the Abbey's west front, which is a major part of its famous design.
Joseph Wilcocks passed away on 28 February 1756. He was buried inside Westminster Abbey. His son later put up a monument there to remember him. He was married to Jane Milner, who had passed away earlier in 1725. He also wrote and published several sermons during his lifetime.
