George Witham was an English Roman Catholic bishop who served firstly as the of the Midland District, then the of the Northern District.
Background
He was born at Cliffe Hall, Cliffe, near Darlington on 16 May 1655, the second of the six sons of George Witham of Cliffe and Grace (or Catherine) Wyvill, daughter of Sir Marmaduke Wyvill, 2nd Baronet, of Constable Burton Hall, Yorkshire.
Career
George Withnam was ordained as priest in 1688. In 1694, Witham was sent to Rome by bishops Leyburn, Giffard and Smith. In their letter to the Propaganda Fide, dated 20 October 1694, they commissioned Witham to serve as their agent for English matters with the authorities in Rome.
He was also recommended to the Propaganda Fide by a letter from James II & VII, the exiled king of England and Scotland.
Witham remained in his post in Rome until nominated to a Vicariate in 1702. lieutenant had been intended for Witham to succeed as the of the London District, following the death of John Leyburn in 1702.
He was consecrated the Titular Bishop of Marcopolis on 15 April 1703 by Cardinal Marcantonio Barbarigo, Bishop of Montefiascone. On his return to England, it had been determined instead for Bonaventure Giffard to transfer from the Midland District to the London District on 14 March 1703.
Leaving Witham appointed in charge of the Midland District on 12 August 1702.
After fourteen years, he transferred to the Northern District on 6 April 1716. Due to his increasing age and various infirmities he wrote to Rome on 26 March 1723 to request for a coadjutor. He suggested Edward Dicconson for the post, however, the Holy See did not comply to the request.
He died in office at Cliffe Hall on 16 April 1725, aged 69, and was buried at All Saints" Church, Manfield, near Darlington.