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William King (1650 - 1729):
Archbishop, Church of Ireland


William King was born in Antrim, and was educated at Dungannon, County Tyrone and Trinity College, Dublin. After his ordination he became Rector of St Werburgh's parish in Dublin. He was a pioneer of the Royal Irish Academy, and a founder member of the Dublin Philosophical Society in 1683. In 1688 he was appointed Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, but was imprisoned when he sided with William; he was released after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and appointed Bishop of Derry. His publication, The State of the Protestants of Ireland under the late King James's Government was reprinted three times. In 1703 he was translated to Dublin as archbishop. He supported the penal laws, and his correspondence, which was prolific, is historically illuminating. He was in favour of the teaching of Irish at Trinity College, Dublin. Among his published work is De Origine Mali and many sermons. Some of his manuscripts are in Trinity College, Dublin, and in the British Library. [Biography by C. S. King. ]

Born: 1 May 1650
Died: 8 May 1729
Kate Newmann