Lord William Cecil (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lord William Cecil |
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| Bishop of Exeter | |
Cecil in 1914
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| Church | Church of England |
| See | Exeter |
| In Office | 1916–1936 |
| Predecessor | Archibald Robertson |
| Successor | Charles Edward Curzon |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1887 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 March 1863 Hatfield House |
| Died | 23 June 1936 (aged 73) |
| Previous post | Rector of Hatfield |
Lord Rupert Ernest William Gascoyne-Cecil (born March 9, 1863 – died June 23, 1936) was an important leader in the Church of England. He served as the Bishop of Exeter from 1916 to 1936. He was the second son of a very famous politician, the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times. Before becoming a bishop, Lord William worked as a rector (a type of church leader) in Hatfield for 28 years. He was married and had seven children. Sadly, three of his sons died during the First World War. People generally liked him, but he was also known for being a bit unusual!
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The Early Life of William Cecil
William Cecil was born at Hatfield House, a grand family home. His father was Lord Robert Cecil. His father later became the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. This meant William's title changed as his father's position grew. First, he was "The Hon. William Cecil," then "Lord William Cecil."
He had several brothers, including James, who became the 4th Marquess, and Lord Robert Cecil, who later won the Nobel Peace Prize.
School Days and Early Work
William went to Eton, a famous school. He was bullied there and given the nickname "Fish," which stayed with him among his family and friends. After Eton, he studied law at University College, Oxford.
After university, William spent a few months working in the poor areas of London's East End. This experience likely showed him a different side of life.
Family and Church Career
William Cecil became a priest in 1887. In the same year, on August 16, he married Lady Florence ("Fluffy") Mary Bootle-Wilbraham. They had four sons and three daughters together.
Sons in the Great War
The First World War brought great sadness to their family. Three of their sons were killed in action:
- Randle William (born 1889) died in 1917.
- John Arthur (born 1893) died in 1918.
- Rupert Edward (born 1895) died in 1915.
Their second son, Victor Alexander (born 1891), was wounded twice but survived the war. Their three daughters were Eve Alice, Mary Edith (who were twins), and Anne.
Rector of Hatfield
William's first church job was in Great Yarmouth. But it didn't last long. In 1888, his father helped him become the Rector of Hatfield. This job came with a large house far from the town. William wanted to be closer to the people he served. So, he convinced his father to build him a smaller house nearer to the town.
He stayed in Hatfield for 28 years. During this time, he also became a Rural Dean, a chaplain to King Edward VII, and an honorary canon of St Alban's Cathedral.
Interest in China
In 1908, William attended a big church meeting called the Lambeth Conference. This meeting sparked his interest in China. He visited China several times and even tried to start a Christian university there. In 1910, he and his wife wrote a book together called Changing China.
Becoming Bishop of Exeter
In 1916, the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, offered William the job of Bishop of Exeter. At first, William wasn't sure he wanted to move. But he eventually accepted the important role.
Some people were surprised by his appointment. Trevor Beeson, who wrote a book about bishops, called it "the most extraordinary episcopal appointment of the twentieth century." He thought William wasn't really suited for the job. However, the Bishop of Exeter's position at the time had a low income because a large part of it was being paid as a pension to the previous bishop. William Cecil had his own money, which made him a suitable choice.
Leading During Wartime
William was bishop for the last two years of the First World War. He encouraged women to take on jobs that men had left to fight. He told them that even the "foulest task honours the hands of those who work for their country." He also told his clergy to stay positive during the war. He said, "A gloomy face and a prognostication of evil is now not only unpatriotic but is also most unchristian."
A Tolerant Leader
As bishop, William was known for being very tolerant. He believed that the Church was broad enough to allow many different ways of worship. He didn't try to force everyone to think the same way. He also got along well with leaders of Nonconformist groups, who were Protestants not part of the Church of England.
However, he did have a disagreement with his own cathedral. He suggested getting rid of the job of the Dean. He wanted to use the money saved to pay for a suffragan bishop. This new bishop would help with pastoral care (looking after people) in the diocese. His idea didn't happen, and people sometimes called it one of his "madcap ideas."
William Cecil's Eccentricity
As bishop, William Cecil gained a reputation for being a bit unusual. He was given the nickname "Love in a Mist." This name came from his sometimes confusing way of managing things and his strong will. But he was also known for his very kind personality.
Unusual Habits
There are many stories about William's eccentric behavior:
- Once, a guest having tea with him was surprised. William fed pieces of crumpets to two rats that came out of holes in the floor!
- He also threw powdered copper sulphate onto the fire to make the flames turn green. He said he simply liked the color.
- Another story tells of him getting ready for a church service. He held a handkerchief in his teeth and forgot it was there. He walked to the altar with it still hanging from his mouth!
- He was heard to complain that the Bible was "an awkward book."
- When traveling around his diocese, he would often call his wife to ask her where he was.
Lasting Memory
After his death in 1936, William Cecil was remembered in the cathedral with two sculptures. One shows him as St. Martin, giving his cloak to a beggar. The other, as St. Peter, is high up on the bishop's throne. A special tablet near the throne says that the statue will "keep for ever alive the memory" of Lord William Cecil.
Writings
Lord William Cecil also wrote some books:
- Science and Religion, Changing China (1910)
- Difficulties and Duties
