Comments
VENN: Matric. pens. from CORPUS CHRISTI, Easter, 1653. Of Cambridgeshire. S. of John (1614), R. of Topcroft, Norfolk. B. Sept. 29, 1636, at Cottenham, Cambs. School, Norwich. B.A. 1656-7; M.A. 1660; B.D. 1667; D.D. 1680. Fellow, 1662. Incorp. at Oxford, 1664. Chaplain to Charles II. R. of Bracon Ash, Norfolk, 1660. V. of St Andrew-the-Great, Cambridge, 1665; gained credit for his continued residence and ministrations during the plague. R. of Holywell, Hunts., 1667-81. Minister of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, 1671-8. Chaplain to the King, 1676-91. R. of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, 1680-92. R. of St James's, Piccadilly, 1686-92. Joined the seven bishops in their famous declaration, 1688. Archdeacon of London, 1689-91. Bishop of Lincoln, 1691-4. Archbishop of Canterbury, 1694-1715. P.C., 1695. Established the first public library in London, in Castle Street, Leicester Square; endowed a school there. One of the founders of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Won fame by his controversy with the Jesuits. Married Anne, dau. of Richard Love, D.D., Master of Corpus Christi. Author, controversial. Died s.p., Dec. 14, 1715. Buried at Lambeth. 'Monumental inscription.'M.I. Benefactor to Corpus Christi. (Masters, 362; Al. Oxon.; D.N.B.)
SEE OXFORD DNB: Archbishop of Canterbury.