Mark Aloysius Tierney facts for kids

Mark Aloysius Tierney (born September 1795 in Brighton, died February 19, 1862, in Arundel) was an English Catholic historian. He spent his life studying history and old documents, especially those related to the Catholic Church in England. He was also a priest and worked as a chaplain for the Duke of Norfolk.

Mark Tierney's Life

Mark Tierney started his schooling with the Franciscans in Baddesley Green, Warwickshire. Later, he went to St. Edmund's College in 1810. He became a priest there on September 19, 1818. After his ordination, he stayed at the college for a short time, working as a professor.

Early Career and Studies

After leaving the college, Mark Tierney worked as an assistant priest in London. However, he became unwell and had to move to the countryside, to a mission in Slindon, Sussex. In 1824, he became the chaplain for the Duke of Norfolk at Arundel. He lived there for the rest of his life. During this time, he focused on his passion: studying history and old artifacts.

A Dedicated Historian

Mark Tierney's main goal was to create a new version of Dodd's Church History of England. This was a big project where he wanted to add many new documents he had found. The first book came out in 1839. However, after the fifth book was published in 1843, the project stopped. People felt that bringing up old arguments from the 1600s between different groups within the Church was not a good idea at that time.

Despite this, Mark Tierney was recognized for his historical work. In 1833, he became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This group studies old things and history. In 1841, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very important group for science and learning. He also served as the Secretary for the Sussex Archaeological Society, helping to explore the history of Sussex.

Later Years and Disagreements

After the Catholic Church in England and Wales was reorganized, Mark Tierney became the first Canon Penitentiary for the Diocese of Southwark. This was an important role within the Church.

Later, he had some disagreements with Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman. Mark Tierney did not agree with some of the Cardinal's ideas. A debate started between them about a historical figure named John Lingard. Cardinal Wiseman also complained about Tierney's comments on his own book, Recollections of the last Four Popes. In response, Tierney wrote a reply in 1858, which was printed but not officially published.

Mark Tierney also wrote other books, including The History and Antiquities of the Castle of Arundel (published in London, 1834). He wrote several pamphlets too, which were short writings about different topics. For a period, he was also the editor of the Dublin Review, a Catholic magazine.

Mark Tierney passed away in Arundel on February 19, 1862.