William Wake: A Pillar of Faith and Scholarship
An exploration of the life, ecclesiastical career, scholarly contributions, and legacy of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
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Life and Early Career
Birth and Education
William Wake was born on 26 January 1657 in Blandford Forum, Dorset, England. He received his foundational education at Christ Church, Oxford, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic standards.
Diplomatic Service in Paris
In 1682, Wake embarked on a significant chapter of his life, traveling to Paris as the chaplain to the ambassador, Richard Graham, Viscount Preston. This period allowed him to engage deeply with French ecclesiastical affairs and scholars, fostering a broader perspective on religious matters.
Early Clerical Appointments
Upon his return to England in 1685, Wake's career advanced steadily. He served as a preacher at Gray's Inn in 1688, followed by a canonry at Christ Church, Oxford, in 1689. In 1693, he assumed the significant role of rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly, a prominent London parish.
Ecclesiastical Ascendancy
Progression Through the Church
Wake's dedication and intellect propelled him through the ranks of the Church of England. He became Dean of Exeter in 1703, demonstrating his administrative capabilities. Subsequently, in 1705, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Lincoln, a significant episcopal see.
Appointment as Archbishop
In 1716, William Wake achieved the pinnacle of his ecclesiastical career when he was translated to the see of Canterbury, succeeding Thomas Tenison. This appointment, though supported by Tenison, faced initial reluctance from Queen Anne, who reportedly distrusted Tenison's judgment in such matters.
Diplomatic and Tolerant Leadership
As Archbishop, Wake engaged in significant diplomatic efforts, notably negotiating with French churchmen in 1718 regarding a potential union of the Gallican and English churches to counter Roman Catholic influence. He also demonstrated tolerance towards Nonconformism, advocating for revisions to the Book of Common Prayer to address the concerns of dissenters.
Scholarly Works and Influence
Major Theological Writings
Wake authored numerous significant works. His most notable publication is the State of the Church and Clergy of England... historically deduced (1703). This extensive work served as a robust defense of Anglican Orders and systematically refuted the historical claims of the "Nag's Head Fable."
Defense Against Opposition
The State of the Church and Clergy was written, in part, as a response to the "high church" opposition that challenged the perceived Erastian policies of King William and Archbishop Tenison. Wake's scholarship provided a strong theological and historical foundation for his arguments.
Bequest of Collections
Scholarly Bequests
Upon his death, William Wake bequeathed his extensive personal collections to Christ Church, Oxford. These included valuable printed books, significant manuscripts, and a collection of coins, enriching the university's resources for future generations of scholars.
Manuscript Treasures
Among the bequeathed manuscripts were 31 bound volumes of Wake's own correspondence, offering invaluable insights into his life and times. Notably, the collection also contained important New Testament minuscule manuscripts (73, 74, 506-520), which had arrived from Constantinople around 1731.
Enduring Legacy
Archbishop and Scholar
William Wake served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1716 until his death in 1737. His tenure was marked by both administrative leadership within the Church of England and significant scholarly contributions that continue to be referenced in historical and theological studies.
Family Connections
He was the grandfather of Etheldred Benett, a notable English geologist, highlighting the continuation of intellectual pursuits through his lineage.
Biographical Details
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable
William Wake
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Archbishop of Canterbury | |
![]() Portrait by Thomas Gibson
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Church | Church of England |
Diocese | Canterbury |
In office | 1716โ1737 |
Predecessor | Thomas Tenison |
Successor | John Potter |
Previous post(s) | Dean of Exeter (1703โ1705) Bishop of Lincoln (1705โ1716) |
Orders | |
Consecration | 21 October 1705 by Thomas Tenison |
Personal details | |
Born |
Blandford Forum, Dorset, England
|
26 January 1657
Died | 24 January 1737 (aged 79) Lambeth Palace |
Buried | Croydon Minster |
Nationality | English |
Denomination | Anglican |
Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Associated Roles
Notes and References
Source Citations
The information presented here is derived from the Wikipedia article on William Wake. Specific details are supported by citations to reliable sources, including historical texts and academic publications.
External Resources
Further information and primary source materials related to William Wake can be found through various online archives and digital libraries.
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References
References
- In his private collection he had f.e. minuscules 73, 74.
- Joseph Hirst Lupton, Archbishop Wake and the Project of Union, 1896
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