William Maclagan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend and Right Honourable William Maclagan |
|
|---|---|
| Archbishop of York | |
 |
|
| Province | Province of York |
| Diocese | Diocese of York |
| Enthroned | 15 September 1891, York Minster |
| Reign ended | 1908 (ret.) |
| Predecessor | William Connor Magee |
| Successor | Cosmo Gordon Lang |
| Other posts | Bishop of Lichfield (24 June {?}/11 July 1878 {enthr.}–1891) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 June 1826 Edinburgh, Edinburghshire, Scotland |
| Died | 19 September 1910 (aged 84) South Kensington, Middlesex, England |
| Buried | Bishopthorpe churchyard |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Residence | Bishopthorpe Palace (as archbishop) |
| Parents | David Maclagan & Jane née Whiteside |
| Spouse | 1. Sarah née Clapham, 1860 (m.)–1862 (her d.) 2. the Hon Augusta née Barrington, 1878 (m.)–1910 (his d.) |
| Children | with Sarah: Revd Walter & 1 other son; with Augusta: Sir Eric & 1 daughter |
| Education | Royal High School, Edinburgh |
| Alma mater | Peterhouse, Cambridge |
William Dalrymple Maclagan (born June 18, 1826 – died September 19, 1910) was an important leader in the Church of England. He served as the Archbishop of York from 1891 to 1908. The Archbishop of York is one of the two most senior leaders in the Church of England, after the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As Archbishop of York, Maclagan had the special role of crowning Queen Alexandra in 1902. She was the wife of King Edward VII.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Maclagan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1826. He was the fifth son of David Maclagan, a well-known Scottish doctor. William went to the Royal High School, Edinburgh for his education.
Before becoming a church leader, William served for five years in the Indian Army. He reached the rank of lieutenant. He left the army because of health issues.
In 1852, he went to Peterhouse, Cambridge University. He studied mathematics and earned his degree four years later.
Joining the Church
In 1856, William became a deacon in London. A deacon is the first step in becoming a priest in the Church of England. He was then ordained as a priest in 1857.
He worked in several churches in London. In 1869, he was the Rector at Newington. Later, in 1875, he became the Vicar of St Mary Abbots, Kensington. During this time, he also wrote several hymns, which are religious songs.
Bishop of Lichfield
On June 24, 1878, William Maclagan became the Bishop of Lichfield. This was a very important position. He was officially made a bishop by Archibald Campbell Tait, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time. This special ceremony took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
Archbishop of York
In 1891, William Maclagan was given an even higher role. He became the Archbishop of York. He held this important position for 17 years.
As Archbishop, he was made a member of the Privy Council in 1901. This is a group of important advisors to the British monarch.
Maclagan was very dedicated to his role. He even offered to give up some of his own money to help create new bishoprics (areas led by a bishop). He wanted to create new dioceses in places like Sheffield and Hull because his own diocese was very large. However, these plans did not happen during his time. Sheffield did not get its own bishop until 1914.
William Maclagan resigned from his role as Archbishop in 1908, likely due to his health. He passed away in London on September 19, 1910.
Family Life
William Maclagan was married twice. His first wife was Sarah Kate Clapham. They married in 1860 and had two sons, Cyril and Walter. Sadly, Sarah passed away in 1864.
He married his second wife, Augusta Anne Barrington, in 1878. Augusta was the daughter of William Barrington, 6th Viscount Barrington. With Augusta, he had another son named Eric and a daughter named Theodora, who was called "Dora."
His family continued to be involved in important work. His son Eric became Sir Eric Maclagan, and his grandson Michael Maclagan became a well-known historian.
Royal Connections
William Maclagan had close ties to the British Royal Family.
In 1897, he baptized Princess Mary of York. She was the only daughter of George V, who would later become King. Maclagan was chosen for this special task because Princess Mary's parents were the Duke and Duchess of York at the time.
In 1902, as Archbishop of York, he had the honor of crowning Alexandra of Denmark as Queen of the United Kingdom. She was the wife of King Edward VII.
Hymns He Wrote
William Maclagan wrote the words for several hymns, which are still sung today. Some of his well-known hymns include:
- "The Saints of God! their conflict past" (1869)
- "It is finished! blessed Jesus"
- "Palms of glory, raiment bright"
Written Works
Besides hymns, William Maclagan also wrote other works, including:
- "Answer of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Bull Apostolicae Curae of H. H. Leo XIII" (around 1897), which was a response to a letter from the Pope.
- Hymns and Hymn Tunes by the late Archbishop MacLagan (1915), a collection of his hymns.
