Thomas Gooch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Sir Thomas Gooch Bt
Bishop of Ely
In Office	1748–1754
Predecessor	Robert Butts
Successor	Matthias Mawson
Other posts	Bishop of Bristol (1737–1738) Bishop of Norwich (1738–1748)
Personal details
Born	9 January 1674
Died	14 February 1754
Parents	Thomas Gooch and Frances Ann Lane
Spouse	Mary Sherlock, Hannah Miller, Mary Compton
Children	Sir Thomas Gooch, 3rd Bt. Rev. John Gooch
Previous post	Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
Alma mater	Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
Coat of arms

Sir Thomas Gooch, born in 1674, was an important English bishop. He held several high positions in the church and at the University of Cambridge during his life. He passed away in 1754.

Sir Thomas Gooch's Life Story

Thomas Gooch was born to Thomas Gooch of Yarmouth. He started his education at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge in 1691. He earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1694 and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1711.

After his studies, he became a chaplain (a priest who serves a specific person or institution) to Henry Compton, who was the Bishop of London. He even gave the sermon at Bishop Compton's funeral in 1713. Later, he served as a chaplain to Queen Anne. He also became the rector (the main priest) of two churches in London: St Clement Eastcheap and St Martin Orgar. From 1714 to 1737, he was an archdeacon of Essex, which is a senior church official.

His Time at Cambridge University

In 1716, Gooch became the Master of Gonville and Caius College. This meant he was in charge of the college. The next year, in 1717, he was chosen as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. This is a very important role, like being the head of the entire university.

Becoming a Bishop

Thomas Gooch moved up through the church ranks. He became the Bishop of Bristol in 1737. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church, overseeing a group of churches called a diocese. In 1738, he became the Bishop of Norwich. Finally, in 1747, he was appointed Bishop of Ely.

In 1751, he inherited the title of baronet from his brother, Sir William Gooch, 1st Baronet. A baronet is a hereditary title, like a knight, but it can be passed down through the family.

Family and Final Resting Place

Sir Thomas Gooch was married three times. His first wife was Mary Sherlock. They had a son named Sir Thomas Gooch, who later became the 3rd Baronet of Benacre.

Sir Thomas Gooch passed away at Ely Place in 1754. He was buried in the chapel at Gonville and Caius College, where a special monument honors him.

Images for kids

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  The coat of arms for the Gooch family of Benacre Hall.