Matthias Mawson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Matthias Mawson |
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| Bishop of Ely | |
Portrait by John Theodore Heins
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| Diocese | Diocese of Ely |
| In Office | 1754–1771 |
| Predecessor | Thomas Gooch |
| Successor | Edmund Keene |
| Other posts | Bishop of Llandaff (1738–1740) Bishop of Chichester (1740–1754) |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 18 February 1739 by John Potter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 1683 |
| Died | 23 November 1770 (aged 87) |
| Buried | Ely Cathedral |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Education | St Paul's School, London |
| Alma mater | Corpus Christi College, Cambridge |
Matthias Mawson (born August 1683 – died November 23, 1770) was an important English church leader and scholar. He served as the head of Corpus Christi College at Cambridge University. Later, he became a bishop in three different areas: Llandaff, Chichester, and finally Ely.
Early Life and Education
Matthias Mawson was born in August 1683. His father was a successful brewer in Chiswick, England. Matthias went to St Paul's School, London for his education.
In 1701, he joined Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He became a fellow of his college in 1707. A fellow is like a senior member or teacher at a college. In 1708, he was a moderator at the university, helping with exams and academic rules.
University Leadership
On October 6, 1724, Matthias Mawson became the Master of Corpus Christi College. This meant he was the main leader of the college. He held this important job until 1744.
During his time as Master, he also became a rector (a type of church leader) in two places: Conington in Cambridgeshire and Hadstock in Essex. He stayed as rector of Hadstock for many years.
In 1730 and 1731, he was the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University. This is a very high position, like the chief executive of the university. He made important changes, including stopping a practice where medical students were using bodies from the nearby churchyard for their studies.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1734, Matthias Mawson was offered the chance to become a bishop in Gloucester, but he said no. However, on February 18, 1739, he was consecrated (officially made) a bishop for Llandaff. He served in this area for two years.
In 1740, he moved to become the Bishop of Chichester. Then, in 1754, after Bishop Thomas Gooch passed away, Matthias Mawson was moved again to become the Bishop of Ely. He stayed in Ely for the rest of his life.
He passed away at his home in Kensington Square on November 23, 1770. He was 87 years old and had been active and healthy until shortly before his death. He was buried in Ely Cathedral, where a monument was built to remember him.
His Legacy
Matthias Mawson became very wealthy from his church income and money he inherited from his brother's family business. He used some of his wealth to help others.
- He gave a large loan to King's College, Cambridge, for their new buildings.
- At Ely Cathedral, he donated £1,000.
- In 1754, he gave money and property to Corpus Christi College. This helped to create twelve scholarships for students, which was a great help for their education.
His Writings
Matthias Mawson published some of his works. These included:
- Single sermons, which are speeches given in church, often for special events.
- A speech he gave in Lewes on October 11, 1745. This speech was given during the Jacobite rising of 1745, which was a time when some people tried to put a different king on the throne of Britain.
