William Lyall (priest) facts for kids

William Rowe Lyall (born February 11, 1788 – died February 17, 1857) was an important English church leader. He held the significant position of Dean of Canterbury from 1845 until his death.

Who Was William Rowe Lyall?

William Rowe Lyall was a respected figure in the Church of England during the 18th and 19th centuries. He was known for his writings and his leadership roles within the church. His career was shaped by his dedication to religious studies and his connections with other influential people of his time.

Early Life and Education

William Rowe Lyall was born in Stepney, Middlesex, which is now part of London. He was the fifth son in his family. He received a good education at Trinity College, Cambridge, a famous university in England. He earned his Master of Arts degree there in 1816. In 1817, he married Catherine Brandreth.

A Career in the Church

Lyall's career in the church began with his work as an editor. He was the editor of a publication called the British Critic from 1816 to 1817. He also edited the Theological Library from 1832 to 1846. These roles showed his deep knowledge of religious topics.

His talents were noticed by William Howley, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop is the most senior bishop in the Church of England. This connection helped Lyall advance in his career.

Important Roles He Held

William Rowe Lyall held several important positions within the church:

• He was the Archdeacon of Colchester from 1824 to 1842. An Archdeacon helps a bishop manage a part of a diocese (a church district).
• He then became the Archdeacon of Maidstone from 1842 to 1845.
• At the same time, he was a Canon of the Ninth Prebend at Canterbury Cathedral from 1841 to 1845. A Canon is a priest who is part of the staff of a cathedral.
• Finally, he became the Dean of Canterbury in 1845, a role he held until he passed away in 1857. The Dean is the head of the chapter of canons at a cathedral.

Lyall died in Canterbury, Kent. He is buried at the parish church of St Michael in the nearby village of Harbledown, alongside his wife.

His Writings and Books

William Rowe Lyall was a skilled writer. He wrote many essays on religious subjects. He also regularly contributed articles to the Quarterly Review, a well-known magazine, though he often wrote anonymously.

His most important published book was Propædia Prophetica, which means "Preparation of Prophesy." It was published in 1840. This book was so popular that it was re-published in 1854 and again in 1885.

He also helped write for the Encyclopædia Metropolitana. This was a big project that aimed to share knowledge with many people. Lyall wrote parts of the History Division, specifically sections on the history of Greece, Macedonia, and Syria.

His Family Connections

William Rowe Lyall came from a notable family. His older brother, George Lyall, Snr, was a MP for the City of London. He was also the Chairman of the East India Company, a very powerful trading company.

Two of Lyall's nephews also became famous. Alfred Comyn Lyall (1835–1911) was an important civil servant in India. Another nephew, James Broadwood Lyall (1838–1916), also worked in India and later became the Governor of the Punjab.