Richard Durnford
3 November 1802 -
14 October 1895

Family

Richard Durnford was the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Durnford and Louisa Mount. In 1840 he married Emma, daughter of John Keate, master at Eton. She died in 1888, leaving Durnford a daughter and two sons.

Education

Durnford attended preparatory school at Epsom for three years, after which he was under the instruction of his father. In 1814 he gained a scholarship to Eton. In 1820 he matriculated at Pembroke College, Oxford, and two years later was elected to a demyship at Magdalen College. He was one of the founders of the Oxford Union (Debating Society) 1823, for which he served as president during its first year and, again, in 1825 and 1826. He graduated B.A. in 1826 and M.A. in 1827. He obtained a fellowship at Magdalen in 1827 and, in 1888 was made an honorary fellow of Magdalen.

Church Appointments and Service

Durnford was ordained deacon in 1830 and priest in 1831. After serving for two years as a private tutor, he was presented to the living of Middleton, Lancashire After the formation of the diocese of Manchester in 1848, Durnford was made rural dean and honorary canon. In 1867 he was made archdeacon of Manchester, and in the following year, canon residentiary of Manchester Cathedral In 1870 Durnford was offered the see of Chichester.

Noteworthy Publications

"His published writings are confined to three episcopal visitation charges and a few sermons, one of which was preached on the death of Dean W. F. Hook in 1875."

Footnote

"He was a high churchman, but no ritualist. He had formed his opinions before the Oxford movement had begun, and was 'convinced that such theologians as Hooker, Andrewes, Barrow . . . are the best guides even in these days.'" -- DNB 22: 595-96