Anthony Martin (14 December 1592 - 9 March 1650) was an Anglo-Irish Anglican priest who served as Provost of Trinity College Dublin from 1645 to 1650.[1][2] He played a prominent role in the religious and political life of Ireland during the 17th century[3] Martin is known for his contributions to the ecclesiastical affairs of Ireland and his efforts to strengthen the Church of Ireland during a time of religious and political upheaval.
Martin's rise within the ranks of the Church of Ireland began when he was appointed Dean of Waterford in 1614. He later became Dean of Kilkenny before his consecration as Bishop of Meath in 1625. His tenure as bishop was marked by a strong commitment to the Anglican faith and the consolidation of the Church of Ireland's position in Irish society.
As Bishop of Meath, Martin had significant influence, both spiritually and politically. He was a staunch defender of the Protestant Reformation in Ireland and worked to ensure that the Church of Ireland maintained its role as the established church. His leadership extended beyond his diocese, as he often collaborated with other ecclesiastical leaders in promoting Protestantism and countering Catholic influence in Ireland.[11]
Legacy and death
Bishop Anthony Martin died in July 1650. His legacy is tied to his efforts to strengthen the Church of Ireland and his role in the political and religious struggles of his time. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the history of Irish Anglicanism during a period of significant change and conflict.[15]
References
^"History of the Church of Ireland, from the Reformation to the Revolution" Mant, R. p585: London, J.W. Parker, 1840
^"The History and Antiquities of the Collegiate and Cathedral Church of St Patrick" Mason, W.M. p70: Dublin; W.Folds; 1820
^"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol II" Cotton, H pp156: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860
^"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol II" Cotton, H pp130: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860
^"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol I" Cotton, H p50: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860
^"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol I" Cotton, H p139: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860
^ abFryde, E. B.; Greenway, D. E.; Porter, S.; Roy, I. (1986). Handbook of British Chronology (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 348–350. ISBN0-521-56350-X.
^"Alumni Dublinenses : a register of the students, graduates, professors and provosts of Trinity College in the University of Dublin (1593–1860)" Burtchaell, George Dames/Sadleir, Thomas Ulick (Eds) p662: Dublin, Alex Thom and Co, 1935
^"Annals of Ireland, ecclesiastical, civil and military" Graham, G. p223:London, G.Sidney, 1819