Background
He was the second son of Sir James Jelf, of Gloucester, and brother of William Edward Jelf.
He was the second son of Sir James Jelf, of Gloucester, and brother of William Edward Jelf.
He was educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford, and was subsequently made a Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. He was educated at Eton, where he began a lifelong friendship with Edward Bouverie Pusey, and in December 1816 matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts (with a second class in classics) in 1820, and Master of Arts
He served as canon of Christ Church, Oxford, and Principal of King"s College, London, from 1844 to 1868. In 1823, Bachelor of Divinity 1831, Doctor of Divinity 1839. In 1820 he was elected fellow of Oriel College, took holy orders in 1821, and became one of the tutors in 1823.
He was master of the schools in 1824, and classical examiner in 1825.
After being for a short time private tutor to Sir George Nugent, Jelf was in 1826 appointed preceptor to Prince George of Cumberland. This post he filled for thirteen years, residing much at Berlin before his pupil"s father became king of Hanover (in 1837).
In 1830 he was appointed canon of Christ Church. In 1847 he was appointed one of the six doctors to examine and report on Pusey"s sermon, with the result that Pusey was suspended from preaching for two years.
In 1844 Jelf succeeded Bishop John Lonsdale as principal of King"s College, London.
There he remained for twenty-four years, founding the theological department. When F. Doctorate. Maurice, the professor of theology, published his Theological Essays in 1853, Jelf condemned his views, and the council deprived Maurice of his professorship. Jelf was for many years proctor in convocation for the chapter of Christ Church, and also sub-almoner to the queen.
After resigning in 1868 the principalship of King"s College, Jelf lived in the house attached to his canonry at Oxford, where he died on 19 September 1871.
The Jelf medal was established at King"s College London in his memory. lieutenant is awarded to the student who, in the view of the Principal, has most distinguished him/herself during their undergraduate career in the College.
