Martin Benson (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Martin Benson |
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| Bishop of Gloucester | |
Portrait by Jonathan Richardson
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| Diocese | Diocese of Gloucester |
| In Office | 1734–1752 |
| Predecessor | Elias Sydall |
| Successor | James Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 April 1689 |
| Died | 30 August 1752 (aged 63) |
| Buried | Gloucester Cathedral |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Education | Charterhouse School |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Martin Benson (1689–1752) was an important English church leader. He served as an Archdeacon and later became the Bishop of Gloucester.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Martin Benson was born on April 23, 1689, in Cradley, Herefordshire, England. His father, John Benson, was a local church leader known as a rector.
Young Martin went to Charterhouse School for his education. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous college at Oxford University. He was a very good student and even became a tutor there, helping other students learn.
Travels and Friendships
After finishing his studies, Martin Benson traveled around Europe. During his travels, he met two people who would become very important in his life:
- George Berkeley: A famous thinker and philosopher. They became close friends and wrote letters to each other for 30 years.
- Thomas Secker: Another church leader. Martin Benson later married Thomas Secker's sister.
A Career in the Church
Martin Benson quickly rose through the ranks in the Church of England.
- In 1721, he became an Archdeacon of Berkshire. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage a part of the diocese (a church district).
- In 1724, he received a special position called a 'golden' prebend at Durham Cathedral. This was a respected and well-paying role.
- In 1726, he was chosen to be a chaplain to the Prince of Wales, who later became King George II. A chaplain is a minister who serves a specific group or person, like royalty.
- In 1727, he became the rector of Bletchley.
- In 1728, he earned his D.D. degree (Doctor of Divinity) from Cambridge University during a royal visit.
Becoming Bishop of Gloucester
In January 1735, Martin Benson was chosen to be the Bishop of Gloucester. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader who oversees a diocese. His friend, Lord Chancellor Charles Talbot, 1st Baron Talbot, helped him get this important position.
When he became bishop, Martin Benson decided he would not seek any higher positions in the church. He wanted to focus on his work in Gloucester.
Contributions as Bishop
As Bishop of Gloucester, Martin Benson was known for his dedication and hard work.
- He brought back the role of rural deans. These are local church leaders who help the bishop connect with parishes in the countryside.
- He made many improvements to Gloucester Cathedral, the main church in his diocese. He had the floor of the choir (the area where the church choir sits) repaved.
- He also added pinnacles (tall, pointed decorations) to the lady chapel (a special part of the cathedral).
- He repaired the bishop's palace, where he lived.
Martin Benson was also a kind and helpful person. He took care of another bishop, Joseph Butler, during his final illness. Martin Benson himself passed away a few months later, on August 30, 1752. He was buried in Gloucester Cathedral.
A Poet's Tribute
The famous poet Alexander Pope wrote a short poem about Martin Benson and his friend George Berkeley. The poem praised Benson for his good manners and honesty:
- Manners with candour are to Benson given,
- To Berkeley every virtue under heaven.
Martin Benson did not publish many writings, only a few sermons. He is remembered for his strong character and his efforts to improve the church in his time.
