William Reeves (bishop) facts for kids
William Reeves (born March 16, 1815 – died January 12, 1892) was an important Irish historian and expert on old things (an antiquarian). He became a bishop in the Church of Ireland for the areas of Down, Connor, and Dromore in 1886 and served until he passed away. He was the last person outside of a library to own the famous Book of Armagh. When he died, he was also the leader of the Royal Irish Academy, a group that studies Irish history and culture.
Contents
William Reeves's Early Life
William Reeves was born in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland, on March 16, 1815. He was the oldest child of Boles D'Arcy Reeves, who was a lawyer. His mother, Mary, was the daughter of Captain Jonathan Bruce Roberts, who managed land for the Earl of Cork. William was born in his grandfather's house in Charleville.
His School Days
From 1823, William went to school in Dublin. In October 1830, when he was 15, he started studying at Trinity College Dublin. He was very good at his studies, quickly winning a prize for Hebrew. In 1833, he was chosen as a "Scholar" in classics, which is a special honor for smart students. He earned his first degree in 1835.
Studying Medicine
After his first degree, William decided to study medicine. He won another award, the Berkeley Medal, and became a doctor in 1837. He wanted to be a clergyman (a church leader) and also use his medical skills to help poor people in his church area.
William Reeves's Work and Discoveries
In 1838, William Reeves became the head teacher of a church school in Ballymena, County Antrim. He also became a deacon in the church. The next year, he became a priest in the Church of Ireland in Derry.
Finding Nendrum Monastery
In 1844, William Reeves made an exciting discovery. He found the lost site of Nendrum Monastery! He was visiting Mahee Island in Strangford Lough, County Down, looking for old churches. He recognized the remains of a round tower, which showed him where the ancient monastery once stood.
His Important Writings
William Reeves was a very dedicated scholar. His first book, Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down, Connor and Dromore, was published in 1847. By then, he was already a member of the Royal Irish Academy. He also wrote Acts of Archbishop Colton in 1850. He became a Doctor of Divinity, which is a high degree in religious studies.
From 1841 to 1858, Reeves lived in Ballymena. He then moved to Lusk to become a vicar. This move happened after he successfully published his important book about Adomnán's Life of Saint Columba in 1857. This book was so good that the Royal Irish Academy gave him their Cunningham Medal in 1858. Many people say his book on Saint Columba is "the best and fullest collection of materials on the early Irish Church in one volume."
The Book of Armagh
In 1853, William Reeves bought a very important old book called the Book of Armagh. This book is from the 9th century and is very valuable. He paid three hundred pounds for it. Later, he sold the book for the same amount to Archbishop Beresford. The Archbishop then gave the book to Trinity College Library, which was William Reeves's old university.
Later Life and Leadership
In 1875, Reeves became the Dean of Armagh, a senior position in the church. He held this job until 1886, when he was made the Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore. As a bishop, he lived in Conway House in Dunmurry, County Antrim.
In 1891, he was chosen to be the President of the Royal Irish Academy. This was a great honor, showing how respected he was for his knowledge and work.
William Reeves passed away in Dublin on January 12, 1892. He was still the President of the Royal Irish Academy at the time. He was working on a special edition of the Book of Armagh when he died. Another scholar, Dr. John Gwynn, finished his work, and it was published in 1913.
His Collections and Legacy
In November 1889, Reeves bought a large collection of old Irish writings from Robert Shipboy MacAdam, a businessman and archaeologist from Belfast. After Reeves died in 1892, this collection was bought by the Royal Irish Academy. It is still kept there today and is known as 'The Mac Adam and Reeves Collection'.
Mary, Lady Ferguson, who was the wife of Reeves's friend Sir Samuel Ferguson, wrote a book about William Reeves in 1893. It was called The Life of the Right Rev. William Reeves, DD, Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore.
There is a special memorial to William Reeves in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, honoring his contributions.
Images for kids
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A folio of the Book of Armagh
