Anthony Martin (14 December 1592 - 9 March 1650) was an Anglo-Irish Anglican priest who served as Provost of Trinity College Dublin from 1645 to 1650."History of the Church of Ireland, from the Reformation to the Revolution" Mant, R. p585: London, J.W. Parker, 1840 He played a prominent role in the religious and political life of Ireland during the 17th centuryLibrary Ireland Martin is known for his contributions to the ecclesiastical affairs of Ireland and his efforts to strengthen the Church of Ireland during a time of religious and political upheaval.
Early life and education Martin was born in County Galway and educated at Emmanuel College, CambridgeAlumni Cantabrigienses: A Biographical List of All Known Students, Graduates and Holders of Office at the University of Cambridge, from the Earliest Times to 1900, John Venn/John Archibald Venn Cambridge University Press > (10 volumes 1922 to 1953) Part I. 1209-1751 Vol. iii. Kaile – Ryves, (1924) p150 and Trinity College, Cambridge."Alumni Dublinenses : a register of the students, graduates, professors and provosts of Trinity College in the University of Dublin (1593–1860)" George Dames Burtchaell/Thomas Ulick Sadleir p557: Dublin, Alex Thom and Co, 1935 Martin became Vicar of Yagoestown in 1618. He was Prebendary of Castleknock"The History and Antiquities of the Collegiate and Cathedral Church of St Patrick" Mason, W.M. p70: Dublin; W.Folds; 1820 at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin from 1619 to 1620;"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol II" Cotton, H pp156: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860 and Archdeacon of Dublin from then until 1625."Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol II" Cotton, H pp130: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860 He was also Rector of Battersea, Treasurer of Cashel Cathedral"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol I" Cotton, H p50: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860 and Dean of Waterford"Fasti ecclesiæ hibernicæ: the succession of the prelates in Ireland Vol I" Cotton, H p139: Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1860 'in commendam
Ecclesiastical career Martin was the Bishop of Meath from 1624"A New History of Ireland Vol XI: Maps, Genealogies, Lists" by Theodore William Moody, F. X. Martin, Francis John Byrne, Art Cosgrove: Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1976 (and Provost of Trinity College Dublin)"Alumni Dublinenses : a register of the students, graduates, professors and provosts of Trinity College in the University of Dublin (1593–1860)" Burtchaell, George Dames/Sadleir, Thomas Ulick (Eds) p662: Dublin, Alex Thom and Co, 1935
Martin's rise within the ranks of the Church of Ireland began when he was appointed Dean of Waterford in 1614. He later became Dean of Kilkenny before his consecration as Bishop of Meath in 1625. His tenure as bishop was marked by a strong commitment to the Anglican faith and the consolidation of the Church of Ireland's position in Irish society.
As Bishop of Meath, Martin had significant influence, both spiritually and politically. He was a staunch defender of the Protestant Reformation in Ireland and worked to ensure that the Church of Ireland maintained its role as the established church. His leadership extended beyond his diocese, as he often collaborated with other ecclesiastical leaders in promoting Protestantism and countering Catholic influence in Ireland.
Legacy and death Bishop Anthony Martin died in July 1650. His legacy is tied to his efforts to strengthen the Church of Ireland and his role in the political and religious struggles of his time. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the history of Irish Anglicanism during a period of significant change and conflict."Annals of Ireland, ecclesiastical, civil and military" Graham, G. p223:London, G.Sidney, 1819
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