THE JACOBITE UPRISING OF 1745 AND THE ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE OF YORK: 'QUENCHING THE FLAME OF BOLD REBELLION'

• Published in: Northern history Vol. 51; no. 1; pp. 40 - 60
• Main Author: Levis, R. Barry
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 01.03.2014
• ISSN: 0078-172X; 1745-8706
• DOI: 10.1179/0078172X13Z.00000000059

The four dioceses comprising the Province of York experienced varying degrees of danger from the 1745 Jacobite invasion, and all the diocesan bishops engaged, aggressively or marginally, in efforts to defend their country and Church. Yet Archbishop Thomas Herring, whose territories in reality confronted the least direct peril, exerted himself more than any of the others in helping to prepare his county for a possible attack. While this article details the Archbishop's activities, perhaps more significantly it tracks his changing moods as the threat evolved and his frustrations with what he saw as the incompetence of others mounted. His vigour is compared to the lack of other bishops' actions - either for reasons of inability, cautiousness, or safe distance to demonstrate the central role he played. In particular, although Bishop Peploe of Chester did make efforts to prepare for a possible Jacobite advance, he limited his deeds to his own episcopal centre and certainly not with the energy that Herring exhibited. The King duly rewarded Herring with elevation to Canterbury for his efforts. Although initially declining the position, he clearly entered it with a notable sense of self-confidence and authority, certainly the result of his role in the Jacobite crisis. (Author abstract)