Background
He was the fourth son of Sir John Wither Awdry and his second wife Frances Ellen Carr, second daughter of Thomas Carr Awdry was educated at Winchester College and Balliol College, Oxford.
creator lecturer Bishop of Southampton
He was the fourth son of Sir John Wither Awdry and his second wife Frances Ellen Carr, second daughter of Thomas Carr Awdry was educated at Winchester College and Balliol College, Oxford.
Balliol College; Winchester College.
Ordained in 1865 his early career was an academic one. He obtained a first-class in Literae Humaniores in 1865. And he was successively Fellow and Lecturer at Queens College, Oxford, 1866–1868, Second master at his old school and finally Headmaster of Hurstpierpoint, 1873–1879.
In 1879 he became a Canon Residentiary at Chichester Cathedral and Principal of the nearby Theological College.
After seven years he was appointed Vicar of Amport, his final post before ascending to the episcopate. Awdry was consecrated Bishop Suffragan of Southampton by Archbishop Benson at Saint Paul"s Cathedral on June 29, 1895.
Awdry was appointed Bishop of Osaka in 1896 and was then installed as the Bishop of South Tokyo in 1897, after the death of Bishop Edward Bickersteth. As the Bishop of South Tokyo, Awdry led the diocese during a period of growth, improved Anglo-Japanese diplomatic relations, as well as rapid social and political change.
As Bishop, Awdry was also instrumental in founding the Central Theological College, Tokyo
In 1868 Awdry married Frances Emily, daughter of the Rt Review
George Moberly, Bishop of Salisbury. There were no children from the marriage. A nephew, Review West. Awdry was the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine and author of the acclaimed children"s Railway Series.