Church of England Record Society


Publications

The Early Letters of Bishop Richard Hurd, 1739 to 1762, ed. Sarah Brewer, 1995.

Richard Hurd (1720-1808) was one of the most interesting clergymen of the 18th century who not only exemplifies the career open to talent but provides some support for the cautiously optimistic reassessments of the Georgian church which have appeared in recent decades. This first-class edition of his (early) correspondence...deserves a warm welcome' -
Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Richard Hurd is best known to ecclesiastical historians as one of George III's favourite bishops who was offered, and declined, the archbishopric of Canterbury. These letters, therefore, illuminate the early career of one of the most prominent clerics of the late 18th century. The letters begin in 1739, just after Hurd had graduated BA at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. They chart his gradual climb up the ladder of ecclesiastical preferment, through his time as fellow at Emmanuel and end with him settled in the comfortable country rectory of Thurcaston in Leicestershire. His letters reveal the full range of his interests, from theology and university politics, through literature, to painting and sculpture, providing additional valuable insight into the social life of the Anglican clergy in the 18th century.

ISBN 0 85115 653 3.  Price: £65 (Members: £32.50).

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