Sir Herbert Oakeley, 3rd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Herbert Oakeley, 3rd Baronet (1791–1845) was an English church leader. He held an important church position called the archdeacon of Colchester starting in 1841.

Who Was Herbert Oakeley?

Herbert Oakeley was born in Madras (which is now Chennai, India) on February 10, 1791. He was the third son of Sir Charles Oakeley, 1st Baronet. In 1794, when he was just three years old, his family brought him to England.

He went to Westminster School for a few years. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous university. In 1810, he did very well in his studies, earning a top grade in a subject called literæ humaniores (which means "humanities"). He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1811 and a higher degree (M.A.) in 1813.

His Church Career

After finishing his studies, Herbert Oakeley became a priest. In 1814, he started working for William Howley, who was the Bishop of London at the time. He lived with the bishop for 12 years. Bishop Howley helped Oakeley get important jobs in the church.

In 1822, Bishop Howley appointed him to be the vicar of Ealing. A vicar is a type of priest who leads a local church. He also received a special position at St Paul's Cathedral in London. After he got married, he moved to Ealing and lived there.

Becoming a Baronet and Later Life

In 1830, Herbert Oakeley's older brother, Sir Charles Oakeley, 2nd Baronet, passed away without any sons. This meant that Herbert Oakeley became the 3rd Baronet. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.

In 1834, William Howley, who was now the Archbishop of Canterbury (the most senior leader in the Church of England), gave Oakeley another important job. He became the rector of Bocking, Essex. A rector is also a type of priest who leads a church.

At both Ealing and Bocking, Oakeley was one of the first to set up new ways of organizing the church. He started programs with "district visitors" to help people in the community. He also held services during the week and started Sunday-schools for children.

In 1841, Oakeley became the archdeacon of Colchester. An archdeacon helps the bishop manage churches in a certain area. In 1842, he was offered the chance to become the first bishop of Gibraltar, but he decided not to take the job.

Sir Herbert Oakeley passed away in London on March 27, 1845. He wrote some short poems and a book about his father for his family and friends.

His Family Life

On June 5, 1826, Herbert Oakeley married Atholl Keturah Murray at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster. She was the daughter of Lord Charles Murray Aynsley. Sadly, she passed away on January 26, 1844.

They had four sons and three daughters. Their oldest son, Charles William, became the next Baronet. Their second son, Herbert (1830–1903), became a famous music professor at Edinburgh University.