Career
Henry Renaud Turner Brandreth (1914-1984 ) spent most of his life researching a group of individuals commonly referred to as episcopi vagantes or wandering bishops. These were men who claimed apostolic succession through valid but irregular consecrations. Their ranks grew as they in turn consecrated a number of their followers.
Brandreth was asked to present a report on their activities.
This he did in addition to publishing two editions of a book on the subject. He acknowledged the sincerity of some and the strictly parasitic nature of others but he condemned the lot for their abuses of the privilege of consecration.
His work is thus far the most comprehensive source of information on episcopi vagantes. Brandreth was born in England in 1914.
Brandreth served as the Curate of Saint Ives until 1945 and of Saint Barnabas, Wood End Conventional District, Northolt Park, London, until 1949.
He left London for Paris in 1949 to be the Chaplain of Saint George. In 1965 he returned as the Vicar of Saint Saviour, Aberdeen Park, Highbury, until his retirement in 1982. During this period he also served as Guild Vicar of Saint Dunsan-in-the-West, London, from 1970-1976 and Priest in charge from 1976-1978.
He remained on the Council until 1974.
Little documentation is available on Brandreth"s private life. His contribution to the body of theological literature, however, was not limited to his work on these wandering bishops.
Father Brandreth died in Ealing Abbey Nursing Home, London on October 31, 1984. His funeral, attended by many renowned Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox scholars, was held at Street Silas Church Pentonville, the following week.
His ashes were later interred in the Brandreth Family vault beneath the High Altar of All Saints Church, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, England.
