David Williams Bentley (1882–1970) was the 7th Bishop of Barbados.
Born in Liverpool, he was ordained in 1906 and served as a curate in Barrow-in-Furness from 1906 to 1910. Educated at Durham University, he served as President of St Cuthbert's Society in 1910, establishing a reputation as a scholar, a dedicated oarsman and a committed and proselytising socialistTudor, Henry: St Cuthbert's Society 1888-1988. The history of a "modest but exciting institution in the University of Durham", 1988, p.48 having acquired his socialism when serving as curate in the slums of Barrow. A curacy in Bethnal Green (1910–1914) was followed by two years as Vicar of St Matthias Plaistow.
In 1917 he emigrated to the Caribbean to take up the post of Warden of St Peter's College, Jamaica.Now part of the University of the West Indies He was consecrated bishop in 1919, after which he served as Suffragan Bishop of Jamaica until he was appointed Bishop of Barbados in 1927.The Times, Friday, Apr 22, 1927; pg. 15; Issue 44562; col D Ecclesiastical News. New Bishop Of Barbados A particular feature of his episcopacy was the promotion of education, and in 1938 he was appointed a CBE for his services to education in Barbados.
Bentley retired in 1945 but continued to live in Barbados until his death in 1970.
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