Sion College
Encyclopedia
Sion College, in London
, is an institution founded by Royal Charter
in 1630 as a college, guild of parochial clergy and almshouse
, under the 1623 will of Thomas White
, vicar of St Dunstan's in the West.
The clergy who benefit by the foundation are the incumbents of the City parishes, of parishes which adjoined the city bounds when the college was founded, and of parishes subsequently formed out of these.
were on a site previously occupied by Elsing Spital, a hospital for the blind founded in 1329, and earlier still by a nunnery. They comprised the almshouses, a hall and chapel, and the library added to the foundation by Dr John Simson, rector of St Olave's, Hart Street, one of White's executors. There were also, at least originally, apartments for students. The site was bounded by London Wall, Philip Lane, and Gayspur Lane (now Aldermanbury), roughly where Aldermanbury Square now stands. The first Court (committee) from 1630 consisted of John Gifford (President), Thomas Worrall and John Simson (Deans), and
Francis Dee
, Cornelius Burges
, Edward Abbott and Thomas Wood (Assistants).
In the 1640s Sion College was regarded as a stronghold of the London presbyterians, their "de facto headquarters", and it took on a collective role from around 1645. The administration of the College fell into the hands of the parliamentarian side during 1643, as John Sedgwick of St Alphage London Wall
took on the royalists President James Marsh, archdeacon of Chichester
, and Edward Sparke
. A work from 1646 by Anthony Burges
claimed support from College members including the President Arthur Jackson
, There were attacks on the College by the Independents
John Goodwin
(Sion-Colledg visited and Neophytopresbyteros) and John Price (1625?-1691) (The Pulpit Incendiary, 1648), and it was defended by Cornelius Burges (Sion College what it is, and doeth, 1648). William Jenkyn
also attacked Goodwin (The Busie Bishop, or the Visitor Visited, and The Blind Guide, or Doling Doctor, 1648).
From 1647 to 1659 the provincial synod met there, leading to the name "Sion College Conclave"; There was a practical distinction, the London Provincial Assembly consisting of elders rather than all ministers. The first synod took particular aim at John Milton's divorce tracts, beginning a polemic relationship with Milton. The Serious and Faithfull Representation (January 1649) of 47 London ministers, a work against Oliver Cromwell
, arose from an assembly in the College; Milton's The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
from February of that year is in part an answer, and snipes at the ministers.
The College was badly damaged in the Great Fire of London
. In 1884 the almshouses were abolished, and the almsfolk became out-pensioners. It was subsequently found possible to extend their numbers from the original number of two men and two women to 40 in all, and to increase the pension. In 1886 Sion College was moved to new buildings at 56 Victoria Embankment
, between Carmelite Street and John Carpenter Street. It became principally known for its theological library which served as a lending library to members of the college, and was accessible to the public. A governing body appointed by the members to administer the foundation includes a president, two deans and four assistants.
In 1996, the college disposed of its large Victorian premises on the banks of the River Thames. The building has been converted into offices. The library was closed June 1996, with the manuscripts, pamphlets, and pre-1850 printed books going to Lambeth Palace
Library, and newer books to The Maughan Library
, King's College London
. Its activities now take place in a variety of locations.
The College is now administered from offices at 53 Fleet Street
.
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, is an institution founded by Royal Charter
Royal Charter
A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...
in 1630 as a college, guild of parochial clergy and almshouse
Almshouse
Almshouses are charitable housing provided to enable people to live in a particular community...
, under the 1623 will of Thomas White
Thomas White (benefactor)
Thomas White was an English clergyman, founder of Sion College, London, and of White's professorship of moral philosophy at the University of Oxford...
, vicar of St Dunstan's in the West.
The clergy who benefit by the foundation are the incumbents of the City parishes, of parishes which adjoined the city bounds when the college was founded, and of parishes subsequently formed out of these.
History
The original buildings in London WallLondon Wall
London Wall was the defensive wall first built by the Romans around Londinium, their strategically important port town on the River Thames in what is now the United Kingdom, and subsequently maintained until the 18th century. It is now the name of a road in the City of London running along part of...
were on a site previously occupied by Elsing Spital, a hospital for the blind founded in 1329, and earlier still by a nunnery. They comprised the almshouses, a hall and chapel, and the library added to the foundation by Dr John Simson, rector of St Olave's, Hart Street, one of White's executors. There were also, at least originally, apartments for students. The site was bounded by London Wall, Philip Lane, and Gayspur Lane (now Aldermanbury), roughly where Aldermanbury Square now stands. The first Court (committee) from 1630 consisted of John Gifford (President), Thomas Worrall and John Simson (Deans), and
Francis Dee
Francis Dee (bishop)
-Life:He was the son of the Rev. David Dee of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, who held the rectory of St. Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield from 1587 to 1605, when he was deprived. Francis Dee was born in London, and was admitted a scholar of Merchant Taylors' School on 26 April 1591. He proceeded to...
, Cornelius Burges
Cornelius Burges
Cornelius Burges or Burgess, D.D. , was an English minister. He was active in religious controversy prior to and around the time of the Commonwealth of England and The Protectorate, following the English Civil War...
, Edward Abbott and Thomas Wood (Assistants).
St Alphage London Wall
St Alphage London Wall, so called because it sat right on London Wall, the City of London boundary, was a church in Bassishaw Ward in the City of London...
took on the royalists President James Marsh, archdeacon of Chichester
Archdeacon of Chichester
The post of Archdeacon of Chichester was created in the 12th Century, although the Diocese of Sussex was founded by St Wilfrid the exiled Bishop of York in AD 681. The original location of the See was in Selsey. The See was...
, and Edward Sparke
Edward Sparke
-Life:A native of Kent, he was educated at Clare Hall, Cambridge, graduating B.A. 1630, M.A. 1633, and B.D. 1640. He was incorporated at Oxford on 12 July 1653....
. A work from 1646 by Anthony Burges
Anthony Burges
Anthony Burges or Burgess was a Nonconformist English clergyman, a prolific preacher and writer.-Life:He was a son of a schoolmaster at Watford, and not related to Cornelius Burgess or John Burges, his predecessor at Sutton Coldfield. He studied at St. John's College, Cambridge from 1623. He...
claimed support from College members including the President Arthur Jackson
Arthur Jackson (minister)
Arthur Jackson was an English clergyman of strong Presbyterian and royalist views. He was imprisoned in 1651 for suspected complicity in the ‘presbyterian plot’ of Christopher Love, and ejected after the Act of Uniformity 1662.-Life:...
, There were attacks on the College by the Independents
Independent (religion)
In English church history, Independents advocated local congregational control of religious and church matters, without any wider geographical hierarchy, either ecclesiastical or political...
John Goodwin
John Goodwin (preacher)
John Goodwin was an English preacher, theologian and prolific author of significant books.-Early life:Goodwin was born in Norfolk and educated at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. and obtained a fellowship on 10 November 1617. He left the university and married, took orders and...
(Sion-Colledg visited and Neophytopresbyteros) and John Price (1625?-1691) (The Pulpit Incendiary, 1648), and it was defended by Cornelius Burges (Sion College what it is, and doeth, 1648). William Jenkyn
William Jenkyn
William Jenkyn was an English clergyman, imprisoned during the Interregnum for his part in the ‘presbyterian plot’ of Christopher Love, ejected minister in 1662, and imprisoned at the end of his life for nonconformity.-Life:...
also attacked Goodwin (The Busie Bishop, or the Visitor Visited, and The Blind Guide, or Doling Doctor, 1648).
From 1647 to 1659 the provincial synod met there, leading to the name "Sion College Conclave"; There was a practical distinction, the London Provincial Assembly consisting of elders rather than all ministers. The first synod took particular aim at John Milton's divorce tracts, beginning a polemic relationship with Milton. The Serious and Faithfull Representation (January 1649) of 47 London ministers, a work against Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....
, arose from an assembly in the College; Milton's The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates is a book by John Milton, in which he defends the right of people to execute a guilty sovereign, whether tyrannical or not....
from February of that year is in part an answer, and snipes at the ministers.
The College was badly damaged in the Great Fire of London
Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was a major conflagration that swept through the central parts of the English city of London, from Sunday, 2 September to Wednesday, 5 September 1666. The fire gutted the medieval City of London inside the old Roman City Wall...
. In 1884 the almshouses were abolished, and the almsfolk became out-pensioners. It was subsequently found possible to extend their numbers from the original number of two men and two women to 40 in all, and to increase the pension. In 1886 Sion College was moved to new buildings at 56 Victoria Embankment
Victoria Embankment
The Victoria Embankment is part of the Thames Embankment, a road and river walk along the north bank of the River Thames in London. Victoria Embankment extends from the City of Westminster into the City of London.-Construction:...
, between Carmelite Street and John Carpenter Street. It became principally known for its theological library which served as a lending library to members of the college, and was accessible to the public. A governing body appointed by the members to administer the foundation includes a president, two deans and four assistants.
In 1996, the college disposed of its large Victorian premises on the banks of the River Thames. The building has been converted into offices. The library was closed June 1996, with the manuscripts, pamphlets, and pre-1850 printed books going to Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. It is located in Lambeth, on the south bank of the River Thames a short distance upstream of the Palace of Westminster on the opposite shore. It was acquired by the archbishopric around 1200...
Library, and newer books to The Maughan Library
The Maughan Library
The Maughan Library and Information Services Centre is a 19th-century neo-Gothic building located on Chancery Lane in the City of London. Since 2001 it has been in use as the main library of King's College London...
, King's College London
King's College London
King's College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and a constituent college of the federal University of London. King's has a claim to being the third oldest university in England, having been founded by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington in 1829, and...
. Its activities now take place in a variety of locations.
The College is now administered from offices at 53 Fleet Street
Fleet Street
Fleet Street is a street in central London, United Kingdom, named after the River Fleet, a stream that now flows underground. It was the home of the British press until the 1980s...
.
Charter to 1699
- Charter. John GiffordJohn GiffordJohn Gifford was an English political writer. He was born John Richards Green until changing his name at the age of 23....
D.D. Rector of St Michael Bassishaw. - 1631, 1632. Thomas WestfieldThomas WestfieldThomas Westfield was an English churchman, Bishop of Bristol and member of the Westminster Assembly.-Life:He was born in the parish of St. Mary's, Ely, in 1573, and went the free school there. under Master Spight.' He proceeded to Jesus College, Cambridge, where he was elected a scholar, and...
D.D. Rector of St Bartholomew the Great. - 1633. John HackettJohn HacketJohn Hacket was an English churchman, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry from 1661 until his death.-Life:He was born in London and educated at Westminster and Trinity College, Cambridge. On taking his degree he was elected a fellow of his college, and soon afterwards wrote the comedy, Loiola , which...
, D.D. Rector of St Andrew Holborn and Archdeacon of Bedford. - 1634. Thomas Worrall D.D. of St Buttolphes Bishopsgate.
- 1635. William FullerWilliam Fuller (dean)William Fuller was dean of Ely and later dean of Durham. He was in serious trouble with parishioners and Parliament during the early 1640s.-Life:...
D.D. Vicar of St Giles without Criplegate. - 1636. 1637. Jonathan Browne D.D. Dean of Hereford, Rector of St Faiths.
- 1638. William BroughWilliam BroughWilliam Brough was an English royalist churchman, Dean of Gloucester from 1643.-Life:He was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he matriculated in 1613, graduating B.A. 1617 and M.A. 1620. He proceeded B.D. 1627, and D.D. 5 February 1636. He was presented to the rectory of St...
D.D.. Rector of St Michael Cornhill. - 1639. Richard Houldsworth, D.D. Rector of St Peter le poore.
- 1640. Michael Jermyn D.D., Rector of St Martyns Ludgate.
- 1641. John Grant D.D., Rector of St Bartholemew neare the Exchange.
- 1642. Mathias Stiles D.D., Rector of St George Buttolphe Lane.
- 1643. James Marshe D.D., Rector of St Dunstanes in the West [sequestered].
- 1643. Andrew Janaway B.D. Rector of All Hallows on the Wall.
- 1644. John LeyJohn Ley-Life:He was born in Warwick 4 February 1583, and received his early education at the free school in that town. On 12 February 1602 he entered Christ Church, Oxford, and graduated B.A. and M.A. . Taking holy orders he was presented to the vicarage of Great Budworth, Cheshire, in 1616. He...
B.D. Rector of St Mary Hill. - 1645. George WalkerGeorge Walker (Puritan)George Walker was an English clergyman, known for strong Puritan views. He was imprisoned in 1638 by William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, an affair that was raised later against Laud at his trial...
B.D. Rector of St John Evangelist. - 1646. Arthur JacksonArthur Jackson (minister)Arthur Jackson was an English clergyman of strong Presbyterian and royalist views. He was imprisoned in 1651 for suspected complicity in the ‘presbyterian plot’ of Christopher Love, and ejected after the Act of Uniformity 1662.-Life:...
, B.D. Rector of St Michaell Woodstreet. - 1647. 1648. Cornelius BurgesCornelius BurgesCornelius Burges or Burgess, D.D. , was an English minister. He was active in religious controversy prior to and around the time of the Commonwealth of England and The Protectorate, following the English Civil War...
D.D. - 1649. William GougeWilliam GougeWilliam Gouge was an English clergyman and author. He was a minister and preacher at St Ann Blackfriars for 45 years, from 1608, and a member of the Westminster Assembly from 1643.-Life:...
D.D. Anne Blackfryars. - 1650. Edmond Calamy of Mary Aldermanbury.
- 1651. Lazarus SeamanLazarus SeamanLazarus Seaman , was an English clergyman, supporter in the Westminster Assembly of the Presbyterian party, intruded Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, and nonconformist minister.-Life:...
of All Saints Bread St. - 1653, 1654, 1655. James CranfordJames CranfordJames Cranford was an English presbyterian clergyman. He was active as a licenser of theological publications under the Commonwealth, and belonged to the heresy-hunting wing of the London presbyterians, writing a preface to the Gangraena of Thomas Edwards.-Life:He was son of James Cranford, master...
, Rector of Christophers behinde the Exchange. - 1656, 1657. Samuel ClarkeSamuel Clarke (minister)Samuel Clarke was an English clergyman and significant Puritan biographer.-Life:He was born 10 October 1599 at Wolston, Warwickshire, the son of Hugh Clarke , who was vicar of Wolston for forty years. Clarke was educated by his father till he was thirteen; then at the free school in Coventry; and...
. Minister of Bennet Finck. - 1658. Charles Offspring. Minister of Antholins.
- 1659. Edward ReynoldsEdward ReynoldsEdward Reynolds was a bishop of Norwich in the Church of England and an author.He was born in Holyrood parish Southampton, the son of Augustine Reynolds, one of the customers of the city, and his wife, Bridget....
. Minister of St Lawrence Jury. - 1660. Matthew Haviland. Minister of Trinity Parish.
- 1661. 1662. Robert Pory. Rector of St Buttolphs Bishopsgate.
- 1663. Christopher Shute. Rector of St Vedast, Foster Lane.
- 1664, 1665. Samuel Bolton. Rector of St Peters Poore.
- 1666. Matthew Smallwood. Rector of St Martine Outwich.
- 1667, 1668, 1669. John Lake. Rector of St Buttolph Bishoppsgate.
- 1670, 1671. Daniel Mills. Rector of St Olave Hartstreet.
- 1672, 1673, 1674. William Bell. Vicar of St Sepulchres,
- 1675. Charles Mason, D.D. Rector of St Peter the Poore.
- 1676. John Meriton. Rector of St Michaell Cornehill.
- 1677. 1678. George Gifford. Rector of St Dunstan in the East.
- 1679. Ambrose Atfield. Rector of St Mary Somerset.
- 1680. Robert GroveRobert Grove (bishop)Robert Grove was an English Bishop of Chichester.-Life:Born in London in 1634 or 1635, he was the son of William Grove of Morden, Dorset. In 1645 he was sent to Winchester College, and was admitted a pensioner of St. John's College, Cambridge, on 18 October 1652. He was elected a scholar in 1653,...
. Rector of St Mary Ax. - 1681. William BeveridgeWilliam Beveridge (bishop)-Life:He was born at Barrow, near Leicester, and baptized there February 21, 1637. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge, and was rector of Ealing, 1661–72, and of St. Peter's, Cornhill, London, 1672–1704, when he became bishop...
. Rector of St Peters Cornehill. - 1682. Clement Zanchy. Rector of St Clement, Eastcheap. Dec. 4. Declined to serve. William Bell (see 1672).
- 1683. William SherlockWilliam SherlockNot to be confused with William Sherlock William Sherlock was an English church leader.-Life:He was born at Southwark, and was educated at St. Saviour's School and Eton, and then at Peterhouse, Cambridge. In 1669 he became rector of St George's, Botolph Lane, London, and in 1681 he was appointed a...
, D.D. Rector of St George, Buttolph Lane. - 1684. 1685, 1686. Benjamin Woodroffe, D.D. Rector of St Bartholomew the little neare the Exchange.
- 1687, 1688. Henry Dove. Vicar of St Brigetts alias Brides.
- 1689. Jeremy Dodson. Rector of St Katherine Coleman.
- 1690. Edward Fowler, D.D. Vicar of St Giles without Criplegate.
- 1691. 1692, 1693. John Williams, D.D. Rector of St Mildreds Poultry.
- 1694. John Hall, Rector of St Christophers le Stock.
- 1695. Francis Thompson, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Mathew Fryday Street and St Peter Cheap.
- 1696. Thomas Greene, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Olave Jewry and St Martins Ironmonger Lane.
- 1697. Edward Lake, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Mary At Hill and St Andrew Hubbard.
- 1698. Thomas Whincop, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Mary Abchurch and St Laurence Pountney.
- 1699. Edward Smith, Rector of St Michaell Bassishaw.
1700-1799
- 1700. Joshua Richardson. Rector of Alhallowes on the Wall.
- 1701. Richard LucasRichard Lucas (clergyman)Richard Lucas was a Welsh clergyman and writer of devotional works.-Life:Lucas was born at Presteigne, Radnorshire. He was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, matriculating there on 3 March 1665 at the age of 16. He obtained his B.A. in 1668 and his M.A. in 1672. He was appointed a Fellow of the...
, D.D. Rector of St Stephen Coleman street. - 1702. John Grant. Vicar of St Dunstan in the West.
- 1703. Lionell Gatford. Rector of St Dionis Back Church.
- 1704. Edward Waple. Rector of St Sepulchres.
- 1705. Marmaduke Hopkins. Rector of the United Parishes of St Vedast alias ffoster and St Michaell Quern.
- 1706. Thomas Lynford, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Edmond the King and St Nicholas Aeons.
- 1707. John Mapletoft, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Laurence Jewry and St Magdalen Milkstreet.
- 1708. Humfrey Zouch. Rector of Alhallowes Lombard Street.
- 1709. John Gascarth, D.D. Rector of Alhallows Barkin.
- 1710. William Stonestreet, Rector of the United Parishes of St Stephen Walbrook and St Bennet Sherehog.
- 1711. William Bedford, D.D. Rector of the United Parishes of St Botolph Billingsgate and St George, Botolph Lane.
- 1712. James Gardiner Rector of St Michael Crooked Lane.
- 1713. William Whitfield. Rector of St Martins Ludgate.
- 1714. 1715. Lilly Butler, D.D. Minister of St Mary Aldermanbury.
- 1716. Samuel Bradford, D.D. Rector of St Mary le Bow.
- 1717. Robert Lasinby, A.M. Rector St Antholin and St John Baptist.
- 1718. George Martin. Rector of St Mildred Poultry.
- 1719. Roger Altham, D.D. Rector of St Botolph, Bishopsgate.
- 1720. John Hancock, D.D. Rector of St Margaret, Lothbury. 4 A.
- 1721. William Strengfellow, M.A. Rector of St Dunstans in the East.
- 1722. Richard Broderick, D.D. Rector of St Michael Bassishaw.
- 1723. Sampson Eastwick [or Estwick], B.D. Rector of St Michael Queenhithe.
- 1724. Montague Wood. Rector of St Michael Royal and St Martin Vintry.
- 1725. Samuel Baker. Rector of St Michaels Cornhill.
- 1726. Thomas Cooke. Rector of St Bennet Pauls Wharf.
- 1727. Thomas Bray, D.D. . Minister of St Botolphs Aldgate. i
- 1728. Richard Sear. Rector of St Albans Wood Street and St Olaves Silverstreet.
- 1729. Edward Oliver, D.D. Rector of St Mary Abchurch and St Laurence Pountney.
- 1730. William Butler, LL.B. Rector of St Anne s Aldersgate and St John Zachary.
- 1731. John Hay, D.D. Vicar of St Stephens Colemanstreet.
- 1732. Thomas Spateman. Rector of St Bartholomews the Great near Smithfield.
- 1733. Joseph Watson, D.D. Rector of St Stephens Walbrook.
- 1734. Thomas MangeyThomas MangeyThomas Mangey was an English clergyman and scholar, known for his edition of Philo.-Life:He was son of Arthur Mangey, a goldsmith of Leeds, and was educated at the Leeds free school. He was admitted as subsizar to St. John's College, Cambridge, 28 June 1704, at the age of sixteen. He graduated...
, D.D. Rector of St Mildreds, Bread Street. - 1735. Francis Barnard, D.D. Rector of St Bartholomews Exchange.
- 1736. Joseph Roper, D.D. Rector of St Nicholas Coleabby.
- 1737. Edward Arrowsmith, M.A. Rector of St Olave, Hart Street.
- 1738. Ralf Skerret, D.D. Rector of St Peters Poor.
- 1739. Anthony Ellys, D.D. Rector of St Olave Jewry.
- 1740. William Crowe, D.D. Rector of St Botolph, Bishopsgate.
- 1741. William Berriman, D.D. Rector of St Andrew Undershaft.
- 1742. Joseph TrappJoseph TrappJoseph Trapp was an English clergyman, academic, poet and pamphleteer. His production as a younger man of occasional verse and dramas led to his appointment as the first Oxford Professor of Poetry in 1708. Later his High Church opinions established him in preferment and position...
, D.D. Vicar of Christ Church and Rector of St Leonards Foster Lane. - 1743. Thomas Moore, D.D. Minister of St Botolphs, Aldersgate.
- 1744. John Denne, D.D. . Vicar of St Leonards Shoreditch.
- 1745. Reuben Clarke. Rector of St Magnus.
- 1746. Duncombe Bristowe. Minister of Allhallows Staining.
- 1747. Richard BiscoeRichard BiscoeRichard Biscoe was an English clergyman. Initially a Dissenting minister, he later was an Anglican, Boyle Lecturer, and President of Sion College.-Life:...
. Rector of St Martins Outwich. - 1748. William Best. Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry.
- 1749. William Reyner. Rector of St Mary Magdalen, Old Fish Street.
- 1750. William Warneford. Rector of All Hallows Bread Street.
- 1751. Edward Cobden, D.D. Rector of St Austin by St Pauls.
- 1752. William Sandford, D.D. Minister of St Mary Aldermanbury.
- 1753. Theodore Waterland, Minister of St Bennet Finck.
- 1754. Cutts Barton, M.A. Rector of St Andrew Holborn.
- 1755. Samuel Smith, LL.B. Rector of All Hallows London Wall.
- 1756. Fifield Allen. Rector of St Anne Aldersgate.
- 1757. John Cooksey, Rector of St Antholin. [He was only elected on 6 February 1758, owing to several refusals.]
- 1758. Thomas Birch . Rector of Saint Margaret Pattons, Rood Lane.
- 1759. John Thomas, D.D. Rector of St Peter, Cornhill.
- 1760. Thomas Newton, D.D. . Rector of St Mary Le Bow.
- 1761. William Brakenridge, D.D. Rector of St Michael Bassishaw. Librarian from 1745. *1762. Jeremiah Milles, D.D. . Dean of Exeter and Rector of St Edmund the King.
- 1763. Theophilus Lewis Barbauld. Rector of St Vedast Foster Lane. [He was only elected on 26 March 1764.]
- 1764. Ferdinando Warner, D.D. . Rector of St Mich. Queenhythe.
- 1765. John Doughty, M.A. Minister of St James ClerkenwellSt James Church, ClerkenwellSt James Church, Clerkenwell is an Anglican parish church in Clerkenwell, London, England.- Nunnery of St Mary: c. 1100 - 1539 :The parish of St James, Clerkenwell, has had a long and sometimes lively history. The springs which give Clerkenwell its name are mentioned during the reign of Henry II...
. - 1766. Thomas Kemp, D.D. Rector of St Michael s, Crooked Lane.
- 1767. Benjamin Newcome, D.D. Rector of St Mildred Poultrey.
- 1768. Nicholas Fayting, M.A. Rector of St Martin Outwich
- 1769. James Townley, M.A. . Rector of St Bennet Gracechurch.
- 1770. Arnold King, LL.B. Rector of St Michael Cornhill.
- 1771. John Blakiston, M.A. Rector of St Ethelburga.
- 1772. Rowland Sandiford, M.A. Vicar of Christchurch.
- 1773. Daniel Burton, D.D. Rector of St Peter le Poor.
- 1774. William Parker, D.D. . Minister of St Catherine Creechurch.
- 1775. Anthony Webster, LL.D. Vicar of St Stephen Coleman Street.
- 1776. Ben Mence, M.A. Rector of Allhallows, London Wall.
- 1777. Henry Owen, M.D. Rector of St Olave Hart Street.
- 1778. Guyon Griffith, D.D. Rector of St Mary at Hill.
- 1779. Joseph Williamson, M.A. Vicar of St Dunstan in the West.
- 1780. James Waller, D.D. Rector of St Martin Ludgate.
- 1781. John Douglas, D.D. Rector of St Augustin.
- 1782. Peter WhalleyPeter Whalley (clergyman)Peter Whalley was an English clergyman, academic and schoolmaster, known as an antiquarian author and literary editor.He was the son of Peter Whalley of Rugby, born on 2 September 1722 at Ecton. He was at Merchant Taylors' School from 1731 to 1740, and in June 1740 was elected to a scholarship at...
, LL.B. . Rector of St Margaret Pattens. - 1783. Samuel Carr, D.D. Rector of St Andrew Undershaft.
- 1784. Henry Whitfield, D.D. Rector of St Margaret Lothbury.
- 1785. Owen Perrott Edwardes, M.A. Rector of St Bartholomew the Great.
- 1786. James Trebeck, M.A. Rector of St Michaels Queen Hythe.
- 1787. Thomas Moore, M.A. Minister of St James Dukes place.
- 1788. Henry Fly, M.A. Minister of Trinity in the Minories.
- 1789. 1790. William Morice, D.D. Rector of Allhallows Bread Street.
- 1791. Theophilus Lane, M.A. Rector of St Michael Crooked Lane.
- 1792. Samuel Kettilby, D.D. Vicar of St Bartholomew the Less.
- 1793. Henry Jerome de Salis, D.D. Rector of St Antholins.
- 1794. Benjamin Underwood, M.A. Rector of St Mary Abchurch
- 1795. Edmund Gibson, A.M. Rector of St Bennet's, Paul's-Wharf.
- 1796. Robert Anthony Bromley, B.D. Rector of St Mildred's in the Poultry.
- 1797. William Gilbank, M.A. Rector of St Ethelburga.
- 1798. William VincentWilliam VincentWilliam Vincent was Dean of Westminster from 1803 to 1815.-Biography:Vincent born on 2 November 1739 in Limehouse Street Ward, London, was the fifth surviving son of Giles Vincent, packer and Portugal merchant, by Sarah .-Theological career:William was admitted at Westminster School as a ‘town...
, D.D. Rector of Allhallows, Thames Street. - 1799. Charles Barton, M.A. Rector of St Andrew's, Holborn.
1800-1891
- 1800. 1801. John Moore, LL.B. Rector of St Michael’s, Bassishaw.
- 1802, 1803. John Brand, M.A. Rector of the United Parishes of St Mary Hill and St Andrew Hubbard.
- 1804. George Avery Hatch, M.A. Rector of St Matthew Friday Street and St Peter Cheap.
- 1805. George GaskinGeorge GaskinGeorge Gaskin was a lecturer at St Mary's, Islington for forty-six years, resigning in 1822, to become a prebendary at Ely Cathedral. He was also Rector of Stoke Newington and of St Benet, Gracechurch....
, D.D. Rector of St Benet Gracechurch and St Leonard Eastcheap. - 1806. Thomas RennellThomas RennellThomas Kennell FRS was an English churchman, dean of Winchester Cathedral and Master of the Temple.-Life:He was born on 8 February 1754 at Barnack in Northamptonshire, where his father, Thomas Rennell , a prebendary of Winchester, was rector. In 1766 Thomas was sent to Eton, and thence proceeded...
, D.D. Dean of Winchester and Rector of St Magnus and St Margaret Fish street - 1807, 1808. James Simpkinson, M.A. Rector of St Peter le Poor.
- 1809. Henry Meen, B.D. Rector of St Nicholas Coleabbey and St Nicholas Olaves.
- 1810. Thomas Robert Wrench, M.A. Rector of St Michael’s, Cornhill.
- 1811. Richard Lendon, M.A. Rector of St John’s Clerkenwell.
- 1812. William Antrobus, B.D. Rector of St Andrew’s Undershaft.
- 1813. William Goode, M.A. . Rector of St Andrew Wardrobe and St Anne Black Friars.
- 1814. 1815. John Rose, D.D. Rector of St Martin’s, Outwich.
- 1816. John Hutchins, M.A. Rector of St Anne and St Agnes, and St John Zachary.
- 1817. Robert Hamilton, D.D. Vicar of St Olave’s, Jewry, and Rector of St Martin’s, Ironmonger Lane.
- 1818. James Blenkarne, M.A. Vicar of St Helen’s.
- 1819. Samuel Crowther, M.A. Vicar of Christ Church and Rector of St Leonard Foster Lane.
- 1820. Henry Budd, M.A. Minister of Bridewell Precinct.
- 1821. William St Andrew Vincent, M.A. Rector of Allhallows the Great and Allhallows the Less.
- 1822. West Wheldale, M.A. Rector of Christ Church, Spitalfields.
- 1823. Tindal Thompson Walmsley, D.D. Rector of St Vedast, Foster Lane, and St Michael Querne.
- 1824. Henry George Watkins, M.A. Rector of St Swithin London Stone and St Mary Bothaw.
- 1825. William Parker, M.A. Rector of St Ethelburga’s.
- 1826. Daniell Mathias, M.A. Rector of St Mary s, Whitechapel.
- 1827. George Shepherd, D.D. Rector of St Bartholomew’s, Exchange.
- 1828. Samuel Birch, M.A. Rector of St Mary Woolnoth and St Mary Woolchurch.
- 1829. Thomas Leigh, M.A. Rector of St Magnus and St Margaret, New Fish Street.
- 1830. Samuel Wix, M.A. Vicar of St Bartholomew’s the Less.
- 1831. Thomas Home, B.D. Rector of St Katharine Coleman.
- 1832. John Banks Hollingworth, D.D. Rector of St Margaret s Lothbury and Minister of St Botolph s Aldgate.
- 1833. William Elisha Law Faulkner, M.A. Rector of St John s, Clerkenwell.
- 1834. Allatson Burgh, M.A. Vicar of St Laurence Jewry and Rector of St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street.
- 1835. James William Bellamy, B.D. Rector of St Mary Abchurch, and Minister of St Laurence Pountney.
- 1836. Lancelot Sharpe, M.A. Minister of All Hallows Staining.
- 1837. Thomas Gilbank Ackland, D.D. Rector of St Mildred Bread Street and St Margaret Moses.
- 1838. Gilbert Beresford, M.A. Rector of St Andrew’s Holborn.
- John Abbiss, M.A. Rector of St Bartholomew’s the Great. (for 1 month). Vacated office on losing the qualification for Fellowship of the College.
- 1839. William Johnson, B.D. Rector of St Clement Eastcheap and St Martin Orgars.
- 1840. James William Vivian, D.D. Rector of St Augustin and St Faith.
- 1841. John Joseph Ellis, M.A. Rector of St Martin’s Outwich.
- 1842. Richard Harris Barham, B.A. Rector of St Mary Magdalen, Old Fish Street, and St Gregory.
- 1843. Sir John Page Wood, LL.B. Rector of St Peters, Cornhill.
- 1844. William Stone, M.A. Rector of Christ Church, Spitalfields.
- 1845. 1846. John Russell, D.D. Rector of St Botolph, Bishopsgate.
- 1847. John James Gelling. Perpetual Curate of St Catherine, Cree Church.
- 1848. Robert Monro. Minister of Bridewell Precinct. .
- 1849. James Lupton, M.A. Rector of St Michael Queen-hithe.
- 1850. Henry Roxby [afterwards Maude], LL.B. Rector of St Olave's Jewry.
- 1851. Thomas Hartwell Home, B.D.
- 1852. Richard H. Ruddock. Minister of All Saints, Bishopsgate.
- 1853. George Croly, LL.D. . Rector of St Stephen, Walbrook.
- 1854. William Goode, M.A. . Rector of All Hallows, Thames Street.
- 1855. 1856. Michael Gibbs, M.A. Vicar of Christ Church, Newgate Street.
- 1857. Charles Mackenzie, M.A. Rector of St Benet, Gracechurch St.
- 1858. William ScottWilliam Scott (clergyman)William Scott was an English clergyman, a leading High Church figure of his time.-Life:Born in London on 2 May 1813, he was the second son of Thomas Scott, merchant, of Clement's Lane and Newington, Surrey. In October 1827 he was entered at Merchant Taylors' School, and on 14 June 1831 he...
, M.A. Vicar of Christ Church, Hoxton. - 1859. James William Worthington, D.D. Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Gray’s Inn Road.
- 1860. John Vigden Povah, M.A. Rector of St Anne and St Agnes, Aldersgate.
- 1861. Thomas Simpson Evans, M.A. Vicar of St Leonard, Shoreditch.
- 1862. Edward Auriol, M.A. Vicar of St Dunstan-in-the-West.
- 1863. James Jackson, M.A. Vicar of St Sepulchre.
- 1864. Thomas Rochford Redwar. Perpetual Curate of St Thomas in the Liberty of the Rolls.
- 1865. John Edmund Cox, M.A. Rector of St Helen, Bishopsgate.
- 1866. William Charles Fynes Webber, M.A. Vicar of St Botolph, Aldersgate.
- 1867. William Rogers, M.A. . Rector of St Botolph, Bishopsgate.
- 1868. John Henry Coward, M.A. Rector of St Bennet, Paul’s Wharf.
- 1869. Frederick George Blomfield, M.A. Rector of St Andrew, Undershaft.
- 1870. Henry Irwin Cummins, M.A. Rector of St Alban, Wood Street.
- 1871. Frederick Simcox Lea, M.A. Perpetual Curate of Holy Trinity, Stepney
- 1872. Charles Frederick Chase, M.A. Rector of St Andrew by the Wardrobe with St Anne, Blackfriars.
- 1873. George Townshend Driffield, M.A. Rector of St Mary, Stratford, Bow.
- 1874. 1875. William Henry MilmanWilliam MilmanWilliam Henry Milman was an English rower, clergyman and librarian who was president of the Oxford Union and of Sion College.Milman was the eldest son of Rev. Henry Hart Milman and Mary Anne Cockell, daughter of Lt Gen William Cockell. His father was rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster, and a...
, M.A. Rector of St Augustine and St Faith. - 1876. William Hearle Lyall, M.A. Rector of St Dionis Backchurch.
- 1877. Charles Creaghe Collins, M.A. Vicar of St Mary, Aldermanbury.
- 1878. William Sparrow Simpson, D.D. Rector of St Matthew, Friday St.
- 1879. Joseph William Reynolds, M.A. Vicar of St Stephen, Spitalfields.
- 1880. Lewis Borrett White, M.A. Rector of St Mary, Aldermary.
- 1881. William John Hall, M.A. Rector of St Clement, Eastcheap.
- 1882. John Russell Stock, M.A. Rector of All Hallows the Great.
- 1883. William Windle, M.A. Rector of St Stephen, Walbrook.
- 1884. Alfred Povah, M.A. Rector of St Olave, Hart Street.
- 1885. John Fenwick Kitto, M.A. Rector of St Dunstan, Stepney.
- Henry George Scawen Blunt, M.A. Rector of St Andrew, Holborn.
- 1886. Richard Whittington, M.A. Rector of St Peter upon Cornhill.
- 1887. George Barnes, M.A. Perpetual Curate of St Barnabas, Bethnal Green.
- 1888. Main Swete Alexander Walrond, M.A. Vicar of St Laurence Jewry.
- 1889. Septimus Buss, B.A., LL.B. Vicar of St Leonard, Shoreditch.
- 1890. Robert Claudius Billing, D.D. (Bishop Suffragan of Bedford). Rector of St Andrew Undershaft.
- 1891. George Purves Pownall, B.A. Perpetual Curate of St John Baptist, Hoxton.
Later Presidents
- 1906 Percival Clementi Smith
- 1908 John Nelson Burrows
- 1920 Edwin Curtis Bedford
Further reading
- P. J. Anderson, Sion College and the London Provincial Assembly, 1647-1660. Journal of Ecclesiastical History 37, no. 1 (1986): 68-90.
- Gordon Huelin (1992) Sion College and Library (1912-1990). London: Sion College ISBN 0951888005