Thomas Tanner: The Eminent English Antiquary and Prelate
Thomas Tanner was a renowned English antiquary and prelate, best known for his monumental work,
Notitia Monastica, a comprehensive account of all the religious houses in England and Wales. As a bishop, Tanner played a significant role in the ecclesiastical hierarchy of his time, serving as the Bishop of St Asaph from 1732 to 1735.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 24, 1674, in Market Lavington, Wiltshire, Tanner was educated at The Queens College, Oxford, where he took holy orders in 1694. He later became chaplain and fellow of All Souls, Oxford, and private chaplain to
John Moore, bishop of Norwich, and subsequently bishop of Ely.
Ecclesiastical Career
Tanner's ecclesiastical career spanned several decades, during which he held various positions, including rector of Thorpe, near Norwich (1706), canon of Ely Cathedral (1713), and canon of Christ Church, Oxford (1724). In 1732, he was appointed Bishop of St Asaph, a role that saw him divide his time between London, Oxford, and North Wales.
Literary Contributions
Tanner's literary legacy is a testament to his dedication to the field of antiquarianism. His magnum opus,
Notitia Monastica, published in 1695, is a concise account of all the religious houses in England and Wales. He also authored
Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica, a dictionary of authors who flourished in England, Scotland, and Ireland before the 17th century. Although he did not complete the latter work during his lifetime, it was eventually published in 1748, thirteen years after his death, by David Wilkins.
Personal Milestones and Key Life Events
Tanner's life was marked by significant events, including the loss of his extensive library collection in 1731, when the barge carrying his books sank at Benson Lock, near Wallingford. Fortunately, most of the works were uniformly bound around 1820, but none of the flyleaves, possibly annotated by Tanner, survived.
Legacy
Thomas Tanner's contributions to the field of antiquarianism have had a lasting impact on our understanding of England and Wales' religious heritage. His works continue to be a valuable resource for scholars and historians alike, and his legacy as a dedicated scholar and prelate remains uncontested. Tanner passed away on December 14, 1735, in Oxford, at the age of 61, leaving behind a rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
FAQ
Who was Thomas Tanner?
Thomas Tanner was an English bishop and scholar who lived from 1674 to 1735. He was a prominent figure in the Church of England and was known for his learning and his piety.
What was Thomas Tanners role in the Church of England?
Thomas Tanner was a prominent cleric and held several important positions in the Church of England, including Bishop of St Asaph and Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
What were some of Thomas Tanners notable achievements?
Thomas Tanner was a prolific scholar and wrote several important works on topics such as theology, history, and literature. He was also known for his philanthropy and his support of education and the arts.
What was Thomas Tanners personal life like?
Thomas Tanner was born into a family of modest means and was educated at the University of Oxford. He rose to prominence through his scholarship and his piety, and was known for his humility and his kindness.
What is Thomas Tanners legacy in English history?
Today, Thomas Tanner is remembered as a significant figure in English ecclesiastical history, particularly for his contributions to the Church of England and his support of education and the arts. His legacy can be seen in the many institutions and organizations that he helped to establish during his lifetime.
