Thomas Burgess (bishop of Salisbury) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Thomas Burgess |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of St Davids, Bishop of Salisbury | |
Portrait by William Owen
|
|
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Diocese of St Davids, Diocese of Salisbury |
| Enthroned | 1803 Bishop of St Davids, 1825 Bishop of Salisbury |
| Predecessor | John Fisher |
| Successor | Edward Denison |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 November 1756 Odiham, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 19 February 1837 (aged 80) Salisbury, Wiltshire, England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Education |
|
| Alma mater | Corpus Christi College, Oxford |
Thomas Burgess (born November 18, 1756 – died February 19, 1837) was an important English writer, thinker, and church leader. He served as a Bishop of St Davids and later as Bishop of Salisbury. He had a big impact on the Church in Wales.
Thomas Burgess started St David's College, Lampeter. He also helped create the Royal Veterinary College in London. This college helps educate people about treating sick animals. He was also the first president of the Royal Society of Literature.
Contents
Life and Achievements
Early Life and Education
Thomas Burgess was born in Odiham, England. He was the youngest son of William and Elizabeth Burgess, who were grocers. He went to Robert May's School and Winchester College. Later, he studied at Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
He was a very smart student. Even before he finished college, he helped edit important books. In 1783, he became a fellow at his college. A fellow is like a senior member or teacher. In 1784, he became a priest.
Helping Others Through Education
In 1785, Thomas Burgess became a chaplain to Bishop Shute Barrington. A chaplain helps a bishop with their duties. During this time, Burgess wrote The Salisbury Spelling Book. This book helped many children learn to read and write. It became very popular in Sunday schools across the country.
He also spoke out against slavery. In 1788, he wrote a paper called Considerations on the Abolition of Slavery. In it, he suggested that slavery should be ended gradually.
Work in Durham
When Bishop Barrington moved to Durham in 1791, Burgess went with him. He worked there until 1825. In Durham, he helped people from poorer families. He was known for being very learned and clear when he spoke in church. People said he helped "inform the ignorant as the sun dispels the darkness of night."
Bishop in Wales: St Davids
In 1803, Thomas Burgess became the Bishop of St Davids in Wales. This was a very large area. He was the first Welsh bishop in many years to focus so much on his duties. He strongly believed that church leaders should be able to preach in Welsh. He also supported Welsh culture.
To help educate Welsh church leaders, Burgess founded St David's College, Lampeter. He worked for almost 20 years to make this college happen. The first students started there in 1827. He also helped create the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in his area. He supported the Cambrian Societies, which organized Welsh cultural festivals called eisteddfodau. He made a big difference in the history of the Welsh church.
Bishop in Salisbury
In 1825, Burgess became the Bishop of Salisbury. He also started a Church Union Society there. This group helped church leaders who were sick or in need.
Other Important Roles
Thomas Burgess was a founding member of the Odiham Agricultural Society in 1783. He played a key role in starting the Royal Veterinary College. This college aimed to improve education in treating sick animals. In 1807, he became a member of the Royal Society, which is a famous group for scientists. In 1820, he became the first president of the Royal Society of Literature.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Burgess married Margery Bright in 1799. They did not have children. He passed away on February 19, 1837, and was buried in Salisbury Cathedral.
He considered the creation of St David's College, Lampeter, his greatest achievement. When he died, he left his personal library of about 9,000 books to the college. These books covered many topics like history, literature, and religion. His library is still at Lampeter today. It helps us understand his deep interest in learning.
Works
Thomas Burgess wrote many books and papers. Some of his important works include:
- Essay on the Study of Antiquities
- First Principles of Christian Knowledge
- The Bible, and nothing but the Bible, the Religion of the Church of England
