Comments
VENN
Adm. pens. (age 16) at PEMBROKE, Oct. 10, 1767. Eldest s. of George, wool-dealer, of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (and Susan, dau. of John Hubbard, of Bury St Edmunds). [B. Oct. 9, 1750, at Bury St Edmunds. School, Bury St Edmunds.] ' Matric. Michs. 1768; Scholar; B.A. (Senior Wrangler and 1st Smith's prize), 1772; M.A. 1775; D.D. (per Lit. Reg., 1784. Fellow, 1773. Ord. deacon (Norwich) Aug. 14, 1774; priest (Peterb.) 1776. Tutor to William Pitt, 1774, and his private secretary, 1783-7. R. of Corwen, Merionethshire, 1782. Preb. of Westminster, 1784. R. of Sudbourn with Orford, Suffolk, 1785. F.R.S., 1785. Bishop of Lincoln, 1787-1820; and Dean of St Paul's, 1787-1820. Bishop of Winchester, 1820-7. A close friend of Pitt, who frequently, as Prime Minister, sought his advice. Took the name of Tomline, 1803, in accordance with the will of Marmaduke Tomline (1753), of Riby Grove, Lincs., who, though no blood relation, left him his estates. Established his claim to be regarded as heir to a Nova Scotia baronetcy, 1823; thenceforward known as Sir George Pretyman Tomline. Married, Sept. 3, 1784, Elizabeth, eldest dau. and co-heiress of Thomas Maltby, of Germains, Bucks. Author, Elements of Christian Theology; Memoir of Pitt. Literary executor of Pitt. Died Nov. 14, 1827; buried in Winchester Cathedral. At his death, although he left three sons, the assumption of the Baronetcy ceased. Brother of John (1774); father of the next, of Richard (1809) and of William E. P. (1803, sub Tomline). (Northants. Clergy, XI. 79; Cant. Act Book; G.E.C. Burke L.G.; D.N.B.)