Background
He was son of Isaac Parsons, butler of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and his wife Alice. Born in the parish of Street Aldate"s, Oxford, he was baptised in Street Aldate"s Church on 6 July 1761.
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John Parsons
Edit ProfileEducation
He graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1782, and Master of Arts
Career
He received his early education, first at the school attached to Christ Church, Oxford, and subsequently at Magdalen College School. In his 16th year, he was admitted to Wadham College on 26 June 1777, and was elected a scholar of the college on 30 June 1780. in 1785. His other degrees were Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity, both in 1799.
He was elected Fellow of Balliol College on 29 November 1785, and in July 1797 was presented by the college to the united livings of All Saints and Street Leonard"s, Colchester.
On the 14 November 1798, he was elected Master of Balliol, an office he held till his death. From 1807 to 1810, he was Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University.
An academic reformer, he made college examination a reality, and in conjunction with John Eveleigh, Provost of Oriel College he gave a lead to the University, elaborating the examination Statute of 1801, by which university honours were for the first time awarded for real merit. And he was one of the first examiners, the earliest class list under the new system appearing in 1802.
Richard Jenkyns, who succeeded him as Master, was tutor under him, and when Parsons was made a bishop was appointed Vice-Master, seconding his administration of the College.
In national politics, he was a strong Tory, firmly opposed to Catholic emancipation. He was the senior of the three heads of houses who, on the death of William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland in 1809, proposed John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon for the chancellorship of the university, to which William Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville was elected. In 1810, he was appointed to the deanery of Bristol, and in 1812 he was presented to the chapter living of Weare in Somerset, which he held in commendam till his death.
In 1813, he was raised to the bishopric of Peterborough, on the death of Spencer Madan, helped by the influence of Lord Eldon.
He supported the National Society for the Education of the Poor, with Provost Eveleigh. And Parsons, together with Joshua Watson, is credited with drawing up in 1812 the terms of union for the district committees of the provincial schools.
In the House of Lords he seldom spoke, but was active on committees. On 22 January 1798, Parsons married Elizabeth Parsons, probably a cousin, at Street Aldates church.
Membership
He was for many years a leading member of the Hebdomadal board.
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Born
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Died
March 12, 1819 (aged 57) -
Nationality
English