Abbot, George

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Abbot, George (1562–1633). Bishop of Lichfield (1609), London (1610), and archbishop of Canterbury (1611–33). Born in Guildford, Abbot was educated there and at Balliol College, Oxford. As a fellow of Balliol (1583) and master of University College (1597) he established a reputation as a preacher. His sermons are eloquent and reveal his Calvinist theology. In 1604 he was among those appointed to prepare a new translation of the Bible. His defence of hereditary monarchy and work in Scotland promoting episcopacy (1608) coupled with the support of the earl of Dunbar won him the favour of James I and the primacy. From 1621 his ministry was overshadowed by his accidental killing of one of his gamekeepers, and under Charles I his influence over the king's religious policy was eclipsed by that of William Laud. He was pious and kindly, but a poor administrator.

Revd Dr John R. Guy

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George Abbot

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