The Very Rev. Richard Graves
Encyclopedia
Richard Graves was a theological
scholar and author of the classic in its time, Graves on the Pentateuch. He was one of the seven Senior Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin
, a member of the Royal Irish Academy
and the Dean of Ardagh.
, Co. Limerick, 1 October 1763, the youngest son of Rev. James Graves (1710–1783). His father was "an accurate and well-read scholar and to a mind imbued with classical tastes and acquirements... a conversation enlivened by a natural vivacity and a pointed but inoffensive wit (who) added so much Christian affability and kindness as to render him a general favourite in his own rank of life, (procuring) him the esteem and affection of his parishioners of every denomination (and whose) society was much prized and proportionately sought for".
Richard Graves' mother, Jane Ryder (1719–1810), was the daughter of Rev. Thomas Ryder (1683–1747), of Mitchelstown Rectory, County Cork
, nephew and heir of the Rt. Rev. Henry Ryder (d.1695), Bishop of Killaloe, Treasurer
of Cork
and grandson of Bishop John Ryder
. The mother of Jane (Ryder) Graves was a first cousin of Sir Standish Hartstonge
and Sir Matthew Deane
. Richard Graves's father was the rector of seven parishes at once, five of which were gifted to him through his wife's family, including that of Kilfannan. They were given to him by his friend and the kinsman of his wife, John Boyle, 5th Earl of Cork
, a fellow scholar. Jane Ryder's maternal uncle, Brettridge Badham, had married a sister of Henry Boyle, 1st Earl of Shannon
, first cousins of the 5th Earl's father, Lord Orrey
.
The Graves' of County Limerick
were a remarkably talented family. Originally from Yorkshire
, they came to Ireland
with Oliver Cromwell
, when their ancestor, Colonel William Graves (who became a Cavalier
after being placed in charge of Charles I of England
) commanded a Regiment of Horse and was granted land there in 1647. The Colonel's descendants held various public offices in the county (Richard Graves' grandfather, John, and uncle, Richard, both served as High Sheriff
of Limerick), but the family is particularly noted for its scholars - John Greaves
and Thomas Greaves
; clergymen - Charles Graves
etc.; But most of all writers - Richard Graves
, Alfred Perceval Graves
, Clotilde Graves
, Philip Graves
, Robert Graves
and Charles Patrick Graves
. Another branch of the Colonel's descendents were elevated to the peerage
and became notable for the number of them (seven) who served as Admiral
s in the Royal Navy
. Richard Graves' grandfather was a first cousin of Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Graves, the cousin of Admiral Thomas Graves, 1st Baron Graves
, nephew of Admiral Samuel Graves
. Richard Graves was a nephew of Abigail Graves, who married first a son of Colonel William Southwell
, and second a grandson of Sir William Scroggs
.
, was elected a scholar in 1782, graduating two years later. He secured a fellowship
with the university at age twenty two, becoming one of the most popular preachers and tutors of his day.
In 1798, he published An Essay on the Character of the Apostles and Evangelists. In 1801, he was gifted the Prebendal stall
at Christ Church, Dublin, to which was attached the parish of St. Michael's, where he laboured 'assiduously and devotedly, especially amongst the poor'. Graves is best remembered as the author of Graves on the Pentateuch, an important scholarly book looking at the origins of the Jews, published in 1807, when he was serving as chaplain to the Duke of Richmond
, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
. His book was widely acclaimed and was for many years studied by divinity students at Irish, English and American universities, and the university of Calcutta too. In 1840, the Church of England Quarterly Review wrote,
If a strong mind, large attainments, sincere piety and a most kind and Christian deportment, be qualities that entitle their possessor to fame, then may the late Dean of Ardagh be well denominated famous; but a stronger claim to celebrity than even these could give, may be made in favour of Richard Graves. He has written on many subjects, and on all well. His work on the Pentateuch is used in the English universities as well as in Dublin. And we may safely say, that it never has been perused without great benefit. Nor are his other works indicative of less ability, though their subjects have not brought them so prominently before the religious world... The writings have taken their place among the standard productions of English Literature.
Not long after the publishing success of the Pentateuch, Graves was appointed a senior fellow of Trinity College. Academics there led an affluent life. According to Thomas D'Arcy McGee in his book 'A Popular History of Ireland: from the Earliest Period to the Emancipation of the Catholics':
The Established Church continued, of course, to monopolize University honours, and to enjoy its princely revenues and all political advantages. Trinity College continued annually to farm its 200000 acres (809.4 km²) at a rental averaging 100,000 pounds sterling. Its wealth, and the uses to which it is put, are thus described by a recent writer: "Some of Trinity's senior fellows enjoy higher incomes than Cabinet ministers; many of her tutors have revenues above those of cardinals; and junior fellows, of a few days' standing, frequently decline some of her thirty-one church livings with benefices which would shame the poverty of scores of continental, not to say Irish, Catholic archbishops. Even eminent judges hold her professorships; some of her chairs are vacated for the Episcopal bench only; and majors and field officers would acquire increased pay by being promoted to the rank of head porter, first menial, in Trinity College. Apart from her princely fellowships and professorships, her seventy Foundation, and sixteen non-Foundation Scholarships, her thirty Sizarships, and her fourteen valuable Studentships, she has at her disposal an aggregate, by bequests, benefactions, and various endowments, of 117 permanent exhibitions, amounting to upwards of 2,000 pounds per annum
Graves was a member of the Royal Irish Academy
; Donnellan Lecturer
in 1797 and 1801; Archbishop King's lecturer in 1799 and 1805; Professor of Laws at Trinity and Rector of Raheny
(1809); Regius Professor
of Greek (1810); Rector of St. Michael's Church, Dublin
(1815); Professor of Divinity at Trinity, and consecrated Dean of Ardagh (1813), in which position he died; and Regius Professor of Divinity
(1819).
In 1808, Graves moved the College to include scripture as mandatory for all students as part of their academic instruction. The Rev. Richard Sinclair Brooke wrote that Richard Graves "was a learned but rather ponderous preacher". "A man of considerable learning and earnest piety", was how Charles J. Abbey described Graves. After the death of his wife on 22 March 1827, Graves was much shaken. During a tour of the Lake District
he was struck with paralysis. His friend, the poet Robert Southey
, took him into his home near Keswick
and he remained at there until he was well enough to return home. Not long afterwards he died at his parish house at Raheny
, Co. Dublin, March 29, 1829. He left a generous will, and was interred with many other members of his immediate family at a plot in Donnybrook Cemetery
.
Graves was a man of sound judgment, well trained intellect, and fertile imagination; his eloquence was copious; his manner was earnest, affectionate, and awakening; he was as noted for his simplicity as for his learning, for his benevolence as for his pastoral piety
His portrait hangs in Trinity College, Dublin, and in 1866 a memorial window of stained glass
was placed in memory of him in the Chapel of Trinity College. The subjects selected were illustrations of the Pentateuch, in allusion to his work. His son, Richard Hastings Graves (1791–1877), collected all his writings together and published them in four volumes in 1840.
, and "a member of one of the principal families of the King's County". His wife's mother, Elizabeth Maria Campbell (1750–1797), was the daughter of the Rev. John Campbell (1724–1772) LL.D., of Newgarden House; Vicar General
of Tuam
, a cousin of Elizabeth Gunning and Maria Gunning, by his wife Catherine Younge. Mrs Graves was the grand-daughter of Sarah (Wilder) Drought, sister of the eccentric Theaker Wilder
. She was a first cousin of Henry Pearce Driscoll
and Lt.-Col. Joseph Netterville Burton, the father of Sir Richard Francis Burton
and Lady Stisted
; through her brother Mrs Graves enjoyed a connection by marriage to Henry Grattan
. In Dublin, the Graves' lived on Harcourt Street, and he was provided with a country living at Raheny
, where he died.
The Graves' were the parents of nine children. Some of their descendants include Robert James Graves
(1796–1853), Sir William Collis Meredith
(1812–1894), Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell
(1814–1881), Edmund Allen Meredith
(1817–1899), Anna Brinkley, Dowager Countess of Kingston
(d.1909), John Dawson Mayne
(1828-1917), Francis Brinkley
(1841–1912), Frederick Edmund Meredith
(1862-1941), William Gibson, 2nd Baron Ashbourne
(1868–1942), James Creed Meredith
(1875–1942), the unfortunate Violet Gibson
(1876–1956), Ralph Creed Meredith
(1887-1970), Cyril Connolly
(1903–1974), Escott Reid
(1905–1999), Hilda van Stockum
(1908-2006), Willem Jacob van Stockum
(1910-1944), Olivia Durdin-Robertson (b.1917), Berkeley Smith
(1918-2003), Rowan Gillespie
(b.1953) and Anna Meredith
(b.1978).
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
scholar and author of the classic in its time, Graves on the Pentateuch. He was one of the seven Senior Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
, a member of the Royal Irish Academy
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy , based in Dublin, is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions and currently has around 420 Members, elected in...
and the Dean of Ardagh.
Clerical and scholarly background
Richard Graves was born at his father's rectory in the picturesque village of Kilfannan, near Kilmallock
Kilmallock
Kilmallock or Kilmalloc is a town in south County Limerick, Ireland, near the border with County Cork. There is a Dominican Priory in the town and King's Castle . The remains of medieval walls which encircled the settlement are still visible. The Dublin–Cork railway line passes by the town,...
, Co. Limerick, 1 October 1763, the youngest son of Rev. James Graves (1710–1783). His father was "an accurate and well-read scholar and to a mind imbued with classical tastes and acquirements... a conversation enlivened by a natural vivacity and a pointed but inoffensive wit (who) added so much Christian affability and kindness as to render him a general favourite in his own rank of life, (procuring) him the esteem and affection of his parishioners of every denomination (and whose) society was much prized and proportionately sought for".
Richard Graves' mother, Jane Ryder (1719–1810), was the daughter of Rev. Thomas Ryder (1683–1747), of Mitchelstown Rectory, County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
, nephew and heir of the Rt. Rev. Henry Ryder (d.1695), Bishop of Killaloe, Treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
of Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
and grandson of Bishop John Ryder
John Rider (bishop)
John Ryder was a Latin lexicographer who published the first English-Latin Dictionary, in which the English language took precedent. A favourite of Elizabeth I, he was Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, and the Anglican Bishop of Killaloe....
. The mother of Jane (Ryder) Graves was a first cousin of Sir Standish Hartstonge
Sir Standish Hartstonge, 2nd Baronet
Sir Standish Hartstonge, 2nd Baronet was an Anglo-Irish landowner and politician; his teenage marriage caused a bitter family feud which led to years of controversy and litigation.- Early life :...
and Sir Matthew Deane
Sir Matthew Deane, 3rd Baronet
Sir Matthew Deane, 3rd Baronet was an Irish baronet and politician.He was the son of Sir Robert Deane, 2nd Baronet and his wife Anne Bettridge, daughter of Colonel William Bettridge./Anne Brettridge, one of the three daughters and co-heiresses of Captain Roger Brettridge of Castles Brettridge,...
. Richard Graves's father was the rector of seven parishes at once, five of which were gifted to him through his wife's family, including that of Kilfannan. They were given to him by his friend and the kinsman of his wife, John Boyle, 5th Earl of Cork
John Boyle, 5th Earl of Cork
John Boyle, 5th Earl of Cork and 5th Earl of Orrery, FRS was a writer and a friend of Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson....
, a fellow scholar. Jane Ryder's maternal uncle, Brettridge Badham, had married a sister of Henry Boyle, 1st Earl of Shannon
Henry Boyle, 1st Earl of Shannon
Henry Boyle, 1st Earl of Shannon, PC was a prominent Irish politician.Boyle was the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Boyle , second son of Roger Boyle, 1st Earl of Orrery. His mother was Lady Mary O'Brien, daughter of Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin...
, first cousins of the 5th Earl's father, Lord Orrey
Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery
Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery KT PC FRS was an English nobleman, statesman and patron of the sciences....
.
The Graves' of County Limerick
County Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
were a remarkably talented family. Originally from Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
, they came to Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
with 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....
, when their ancestor, Colonel William Graves (who became a Cavalier
Cavalier
Cavalier was the name used by Parliamentarians for a Royalist supporter of King Charles I and son Charles II during the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the Restoration...
after being placed in charge of Charles I of England
Charles I of England
Charles I was King of England, King of Scotland, and King of Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. Charles engaged in a struggle for power with the Parliament of England, attempting to obtain royal revenue whilst Parliament sought to curb his Royal prerogative which Charles...
) commanded a Regiment of Horse and was granted land there in 1647. The Colonel's descendants held various public offices in the county (Richard Graves' grandfather, John, and uncle, Richard, both served as High Sheriff
High Sheriff
A high sheriff is, or was, a law enforcement officer in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.In England and Wales, the office is unpaid and partly ceremonial, appointed by the Crown through a warrant from the Privy Council. In Cornwall, the High Sheriff is appointed by the Duke of...
of Limerick), but the family is particularly noted for its scholars - John Greaves
John Greaves
John Greaves was an English mathematician, astronomer and antiquary.-Life:He was born in Colemore, near Alresford, Hampshire. He was the eldest son of John Greaves, rector of Colemore, and Sarah Greaves...
and Thomas Greaves
Thomas Greaves (orientalist)
Thomas Greaves was an English orientalist, a contributor to the London Polyglot of Brian Walton.-Life:He was a son of the Rev. John Greaves of Colemore, Hampshire, and brother of John Greaves, Nicholas Greaves and of Sir Edward Greaves...
; clergymen - Charles Graves
Charles Graves (bishop)
The Rt. Rev. Charles Graves, F.R.S., D.D., LL.D. was a 19th Century Anglican Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe. He was also a mathematician.-Early life:...
etc.; But most of all writers - Richard Graves
Richard Graves
Richard Graves was an English minister, poet, and novelist.Born at Mickleton Manor, Mickleton, Gloucestershire, to Richard Graves, gentleman, and his wife, Elizabeth, Graves was a student at Abingdon School and Pembroke College, Oxford...
, Alfred Perceval Graves
Alfred Perceval Graves
Alfred Perceval Graves , was an Anglo-Irish poet, songwriter, and school inspector . His first marriage to Jane Cooper, eldest daughter of James Cooper of Cooper Hill, Co. Limerick, resulted in five children: the journalist Philip Graves, Mary, Richard, Alfred, and Susan...
, Clotilde Graves
Clotilde Graves
Clotilde Augusta Inez Mary Graves , was an Irish authoress who wrote under the pseudonym of Richard Dehan, and a successful playwright in London and New York....
, Philip Graves
Philip Graves
Philip Perceval Graves was an Irish journalist and writer. While working as a foreign correspondent of The Times in Constantinople, he exposed The Protocols of the Elders of Zion as an antisemitic plagiarism, fraud, and hoax.-Life:Graves, eldest son of the writer Alfred Perceval Graves , was born...
, Robert Graves
Robert Graves
Robert von Ranke Graves 24 July 1895 – 7 December 1985 was an English poet, translator and novelist. During his long life he produced more than 140 works...
and Charles Patrick Graves
Charles Patrick Graves
Charles Ranke Patrick Graves was a journalist and writer.Born in Wimbledon, England, he worked on the Sunday Express, Daily Mail and many other newspapers. He published 46 books in all including the Thin Blue Line or Adventures in the RAF. His hobbies were golf and gin rummy...
. Another branch of the Colonel's descendents were elevated to the peerage
Peerage
The Peerage is a legal system of largely hereditary titles in the United Kingdom, which constitute the ranks of British nobility and is part of the British honours system...
and became notable for the number of them (seven) who served as Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
s in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
. Richard Graves' grandfather was a first cousin of Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Graves, the cousin of Admiral Thomas Graves, 1st Baron Graves
Thomas Graves, 1st Baron Graves
|-|-...
, nephew of Admiral Samuel Graves
Samuel Graves
Admiral Samuel Graves RN was a British Admiral who is probably best known for his role early in the American War of Independence.-Military career:Graves joined the Royal Navy in 1732...
. Richard Graves was a nephew of Abigail Graves, who married first a son of Colonel William Southwell
William Southwell
-Background:He was the third son of Richard Southwell of Castle Mattress, Co. Limerick, and his wife Lady Elizabeth O'Brien, daughter of Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin. His older brothers were Thomas Southwell, 1st Baron Southwell and Richard Southwell...
, and second a grandson of Sir William Scroggs
William Scroggs
Sir William Scroggs , Lord Chief Justice of England, was the son of an Oxford landowner; an account of him being the son of a butcher of sufficient means to give his son a university education is merely a rumour....
.
Career
At a young age his father sent him to live and study in Dublin with his eldest brother, Thomas Graves (1745–1828) later Dean of Ardfert and Connor. In 1780, he entered Trinity College, DublinTrinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
, was elected a scholar in 1782, graduating two years later. He secured a fellowship
Fellow
A fellow in the broadest sense is someone who is an equal or a comrade. The term fellow is also used to describe a person, particularly by those in the upper social classes. It is most often used in an academic context: a fellow is often part of an elite group of learned people who are awarded...
with the university at age twenty two, becoming one of the most popular preachers and tutors of his day.
In 1798, he published An Essay on the Character of the Apostles and Evangelists. In 1801, he was gifted the Prebendal stall
Prebendal stall
A prebendal stall is a seat, usually in the back row of the choir stalls, where a prebendary sits. It was a place of honour for dignitaries who were members of clergy on the staff of a cathedral or collegiate church....
at Christ Church, Dublin, to which was attached the parish of St. Michael's, where he laboured 'assiduously and devotedly, especially amongst the poor'. Graves is best remembered as the author of Graves on the Pentateuch, an important scholarly book looking at the origins of the Jews, published in 1807, when he was serving as chaplain to the Duke of Richmond
Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond
Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond, 4th Duke of Lennox KG, PC was a British soldier and politician and Governor General of British North America.-Background:...
, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was the British King's representative and head of the Irish executive during the Lordship of Ireland , the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
. His book was widely acclaimed and was for many years studied by divinity students at Irish, English and American universities, and the university of Calcutta too. In 1840, the Church of England Quarterly Review wrote,
If a strong mind, large attainments, sincere piety and a most kind and Christian deportment, be qualities that entitle their possessor to fame, then may the late Dean of Ardagh be well denominated famous; but a stronger claim to celebrity than even these could give, may be made in favour of Richard Graves. He has written on many subjects, and on all well. His work on the Pentateuch is used in the English universities as well as in Dublin. And we may safely say, that it never has been perused without great benefit. Nor are his other works indicative of less ability, though their subjects have not brought them so prominently before the religious world... The writings have taken their place among the standard productions of English Literature.
Not long after the publishing success of the Pentateuch, Graves was appointed a senior fellow of Trinity College. Academics there led an affluent life. According to Thomas D'Arcy McGee in his book 'A Popular History of Ireland: from the Earliest Period to the Emancipation of the Catholics':
The Established Church continued, of course, to monopolize University honours, and to enjoy its princely revenues and all political advantages. Trinity College continued annually to farm its 200000 acres (809.4 km²) at a rental averaging 100,000 pounds sterling. Its wealth, and the uses to which it is put, are thus described by a recent writer: "Some of Trinity's senior fellows enjoy higher incomes than Cabinet ministers; many of her tutors have revenues above those of cardinals; and junior fellows, of a few days' standing, frequently decline some of her thirty-one church livings with benefices which would shame the poverty of scores of continental, not to say Irish, Catholic archbishops. Even eminent judges hold her professorships; some of her chairs are vacated for the Episcopal bench only; and majors and field officers would acquire increased pay by being promoted to the rank of head porter, first menial, in Trinity College. Apart from her princely fellowships and professorships, her seventy Foundation, and sixteen non-Foundation Scholarships, her thirty Sizarships, and her fourteen valuable Studentships, she has at her disposal an aggregate, by bequests, benefactions, and various endowments, of 117 permanent exhibitions, amounting to upwards of 2,000 pounds per annum
Graves was a member of the Royal Irish Academy
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy , based in Dublin, is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions and currently has around 420 Members, elected in...
; Donnellan Lecturer
Donnellan Lectures
The Donnellan Lectures are a lecture series at Trinity College, Dublin, instituted in 1794. The lectures were originally given under the auspices of the School of Hebrew, Biblical and Theological Studies. But since 1987 they have been run on a triennial basis by the Department of Philosophy and are...
in 1797 and 1801; Archbishop King's lecturer in 1799 and 1805; Professor of Laws at Trinity and Rector of Raheny
Raheny
Raheny is a northern suburb of Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. It is an old area, centred around an old village, and is referenced back to 570 AD but after years of light settlement, with a main village and a coastal hamlet, grew rapidly in the 20th century, and is now a mid-density...
(1809); Regius Professor
Regius Professor
Regius Professorships are "royal" professorships at the ancient universities of the United Kingdom and Ireland - namely Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dublin. Each of the chairs was created by a monarch, and each appointment, save those at Dublin, is approved by the...
of Greek (1810); Rector of St. Michael's Church, Dublin
St. Michael's Church, Dublin
St. Michael's Church is a former Church of Ireland church located in High St., Dublin, Ireland.-The church:A chapel was originally erected by Donat, Archbishop of Dublin, in 1076, which was converted into a parish church by Archbishop Richard Talbot in 1417. It was used by the Corporation of...
(1815); Professor of Divinity at Trinity, and consecrated Dean of Ardagh (1813), in which position he died; and Regius Professor of Divinity
Regius Professor of Divinity
The Regius Professorship of Divinity is one of the oldest and most prestigious of the professorships at the University of Oxford and at the University of Cambridge.Both chairs were founded by Henry VIII...
(1819).
In 1808, Graves moved the College to include scripture as mandatory for all students as part of their academic instruction. The Rev. Richard Sinclair Brooke wrote that Richard Graves "was a learned but rather ponderous preacher". "A man of considerable learning and earnest piety", was how Charles J. Abbey described Graves. After the death of his wife on 22 March 1827, Graves was much shaken. During a tour of the Lake District
Lake District
The Lake District, also commonly known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous not only for its lakes and its mountains but also for its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth...
he was struck with paralysis. His friend, the poet Robert Southey
Robert Southey
Robert Southey was an English poet of the Romantic school, one of the so-called "Lake Poets", and Poet Laureate for 30 years from 1813 to his death in 1843...
, took him into his home near Keswick
Keswick, Cumbria
Keswick is a market town and civil parish within the Borough of Allerdale in Cumbria, England. It had a population of 4,984, according to the 2001 census, and is situated just north of Derwent Water, and a short distance from Bassenthwaite Lake, both in the Lake District National Park...
and he remained at there until he was well enough to return home. Not long afterwards he died at his parish house at Raheny
Raheny
Raheny is a northern suburb of Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. It is an old area, centred around an old village, and is referenced back to 570 AD but after years of light settlement, with a main village and a coastal hamlet, grew rapidly in the 20th century, and is now a mid-density...
, Co. Dublin, March 29, 1829. He left a generous will, and was interred with many other members of his immediate family at a plot in Donnybrook Cemetery
Donnybrook Cemetery
Donnybrook Cemetery is located close to the river Dodder in Donnybrook, Dublin, Ireland. The cemetery was the location of an old Celtic church founded by Saint Broc and later a church dedicated to St. Mary...
.
Graves was a man of sound judgment, well trained intellect, and fertile imagination; his eloquence was copious; his manner was earnest, affectionate, and awakening; he was as noted for his simplicity as for his learning, for his benevolence as for his pastoral piety
His portrait hangs in Trinity College, Dublin, and in 1866 a memorial window of stained glass
Stained glass
The term stained glass can refer to coloured glass as a material or to works produced from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant buildings...
was placed in memory of him in the Chapel of Trinity College. The subjects selected were illustrations of the Pentateuch, in allusion to his work. His son, Richard Hastings Graves (1791–1877), collected all his writings together and published them in four volumes in 1840.
Family
On August 1, 1787, he married Eliza Mary (1767–1827), the eldest daughter of the Rev. James Drought (1738–1820) D.D., Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
, and "a member of one of the principal families of the King's County". His wife's mother, Elizabeth Maria Campbell (1750–1797), was the daughter of the Rev. John Campbell (1724–1772) LL.D., of Newgarden House; Vicar General
Vicar general
A vicar general is the principal deputy of the bishop of a diocese for the exercise of administrative authority. As vicar of the bishop, the vicar general exercises the bishop's ordinary executive power over the entire diocese and, thus, is the highest official in a diocese or other particular...
of Tuam
Tuam
Tuam is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The name is pronounced choo-um . It is situated west of the midlands of Ireland, and north of Galway city.-History:...
, a cousin of Elizabeth Gunning and Maria Gunning, by his wife Catherine Younge. Mrs Graves was the grand-daughter of Sarah (Wilder) Drought, sister of the eccentric Theaker Wilder
Theaker Wilder
Theaker Wilder was the first Regius Professor of Greek and Senior Register at Trinity College, Dublin and became famous for being Oliver Goldsmith's 'learned savage' of a tutor.- Family :...
. She was a first cousin of Henry Pearce Driscoll
Henry Pearce Driscoll
Lt.-Col. Henry Pearce Driscoll Q.C., J.P., was an Irish officer court-martialled and discharged from the British Army at Montreal. Remaining there he edited two newspapers and became well-known as a lawyer, poet and wit.-Early Life:...
and Lt.-Col. Joseph Netterville Burton, the father of Sir Richard Francis Burton
Richard Francis Burton
Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGS was a British geographer, explorer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, cartographer, ethnologist, spy, linguist, poet, fencer and diplomat. He was known for his travels and explorations within Asia, Africa and the Americas as well as his...
and Lady Stisted
Henry William Stisted
Lieut.-General Sir Henry William Stisted, KCB , served as the first Lieutenant Governor of Ontario after Confederation, from 1867 to 1868....
; through her brother Mrs Graves enjoyed a connection by marriage to Henry Grattan
Henry Grattan
Henry Grattan was an Irish politician and member of the Irish House of Commons and a campaigner for legislative freedom for the Irish Parliament in the late 18th century. He opposed the Act of Union 1800 that merged the Kingdoms of Ireland and Great Britain.-Early life:Grattan was born at...
. In Dublin, the Graves' lived on Harcourt Street, and he was provided with a country living at Raheny
Raheny
Raheny is a northern suburb of Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. It is an old area, centred around an old village, and is referenced back to 570 AD but after years of light settlement, with a main village and a coastal hamlet, grew rapidly in the 20th century, and is now a mid-density...
, where he died.
The Graves' were the parents of nine children. Some of their descendants include Robert James Graves
Robert James Graves
Robert James Graves, M.D., F.R.C.S. was an eminent Irish surgeon after whom Graves' disease takes its name. He was President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Fellow of the Royal Society of London and the founder of the Dublin Journal of Medical Science...
(1796–1853), Sir William Collis Meredith
William Collis Meredith
The Hon. Sir William Collis Meredith, Kt., Q.C., D.C.L. was Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec.-Early life:...
(1812–1894), Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell
Richard Graves MacDonnell
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell KCMG CB was an Anglo-Irish lawyer, judge and colonial governor...
(1814–1881), Edmund Allen Meredith
Edmund Allen Meredith
Edmund Allen Meredith LL.D., was Under Secretary of State for Canada; a prison reformer, writer, and the third principal of McGill University from 1846 to 1853.-Early life in Ireland:...
(1817–1899), Anna Brinkley, Dowager Countess of Kingston
James King, 5th Earl of Kingston
James King , 5th Earl of Kingston; 5th Baron Kingston of Rockingham, Co. Roscommon; 5th Viscount Kingston of Kingsborough, Co. Sligo; 3rd Baron Kingston of Mitchelstown, Co. Cork and 9th Baronet King, of Boyle Abbey, Co...
(d.1909), John Dawson Mayne
John D. Mayne
The Rt. Hon. John Dawson Mayne P.C. was a British lawyer and legal expert who practised largely in the Madras Presidency. He is largely remembered as the author of Mayne's Hindu Law regarded as a classic and the most authoritative book on the subject.- Life :Mayne was born on December 31, 1828 to...
(1828-1917), Francis Brinkley
Francis Brinkley
Francis Brinkley was an Irish newspaper owner, editor and scholar who resided in Meiji period Japan for over 40 years, where he was the author of numerous books on Japanese culture, art and architecture, and an English-Japanese Dictionary...
(1841–1912), Frederick Edmund Meredith
Frederick Edmund Meredith
Frederick Edmund Meredith K.C., D.C.L. was a Canadian lawyer and businessman, the 8th Chancellor of Bishop's University, Lennoxville; honorary President of the Montreal Victorias for three of their Stanley Cup championships in the late 1890s, and Chief Counsel to the CPR at the inquest into the...
(1862-1941), William Gibson, 2nd Baron Ashbourne
William Gibson, 2nd Baron Ashbourne
William Gibson, 2nd Baron Ashbourne was born at 20 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin, the son of Edward Gibson, 1st Baron Ashbourne and Frances Maria Adelaide Colles, grand-daughter of Abraham Colles and niece of John Dawson Mayne.He was educated at Harrow School, Trinity College, Dublin and Merton...
(1868–1942), James Creed Meredith
James Creed Meredith
James Creed Meredith K.C., LL.D. was an Irish nationalist of the early 20th century, who upheld Brehon Law. He was President of the Supreme Court of the Irish Republic, Chief Judicial Commissioner of Ireland and a Judge of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Ireland...
(1875–1942), the unfortunate Violet Gibson
Violet Gibson
Hon. Violet Albina Gibson , the daughter of the 1st Lord Ashbourne, is best known for shooting Benito Mussolini in Rome in 1926....
(1876–1956), Ralph Creed Meredith
Ralph Creed Meredith
The Ven. Ralph Creed Meredith, M.A., was an Anglican Cleric who succeeded Edward Keble Talbot as Chaplain to His Majesty, King George VI and afterwards Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II...
(1887-1970), Cyril Connolly
Cyril Connolly
Cyril Vernon Connolly was an English intellectual, literary critic and writer. He was the editor of the influential literary magazine Horizon and wrote Enemies of Promise , which combined literary criticism with an autobiographical exploration of why he failed to become the successful author of...
(1903–1974), Escott Reid
Escott Reid
Escott Graves Meredith Reid, CC , was a Canadian diplomat who helped shape the UN & NATO, author, international public servant and academic administrator....
(1905–1999), Hilda van Stockum
Hilda van Stockum
Hilda Gerarda van Stockum was a children's book author and artist. She was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Her father was an officer in the Dutch Royal Navy. She grew up in the Netherlands and Ireland, living for many years in the United States, and lived in England from about 1973...
(1908-2006), Willem Jacob van Stockum
Willem Jacob van Stockum
Willem Jacob van Stockum was a mathematician who made an important contribution to the early development of general relativity....
(1910-1944), Olivia Durdin-Robertson (b.1917), Berkeley Smith
Berkeley Smith
Berkeley Alexander Smith . Broadcaster and a senior figure in the television world for nearly 40 years.-Birth:...
(1918-2003), Rowan Gillespie
Rowan Gillespie
Rowan Fergus Meredith Gillespie is an Irish bronze casting sculptor of international renown. Born in Dublin to Irish parents, Gillespie spent his formative years in Cyprus...
(b.1953) and Anna Meredith
Anna Meredith
Anna Meredith is a composer of acoustic and electronic work, musician and music educator. She is the eldest of three children in her family. Her father is a retired university teacher of journalism, and her mother works in picture restoration...
(b.1978).