Edward White Benson (1829 to 1896)
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Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1883 to 1896.
Born Highgate, Birmingham.
Educated, King Edwards, Birmingham.
Schoolmaster at Rugby School.
First Headmaster of Wellington College.
Chancellor Lincoln Cathedral.
Founded Truro School for Girls.
Devised the Festival Of Nine Carols.
Provided inspiration the Henry James for his novel "Turn of the Screw". Bishop of Truro (1877 to 1882).As Archbishop of Canterbury from 1883 to 1896, Benson became a trusted confidant of Queen Victoria. His wife Mary was the sister of philosopher Henry Sidgwick. Mary was Benson's second cousin whom he met when she was aged 11 while rooming with the Sidgewicks. Gaining parental consent, Benson proposed to Mary as soon as she reached 12, and they married when Mary turned 18. The marriage produced six children including:
- novelist E F Benson (author of the Mapp and Lucia novels);
- A C Benson, Master of Magdalene College and who also wrote the lyrics to "Land of Hope and Glory";
- R H Benson, C of E minister who converted to Catholicism and was also a prolific author;
- Margaret Benson, artist, author and amateur egyptologist.
On 11 October 1896 while returning from a tour of Ireland, Benson died suddenly of a heart attack during confession in morning prayer at Hawarden Parish Church, North Wales .
Cabinet card produced by Elliott & Fry, 55 to 56 Baker Street, London.
Cabinet card typical dimensions - 110mm x 170mm, 4.5in x 6.5in
Location: [BA&H: Portraits/Birmingham/BEA-BLA]
