George Dowdall, Archbishop of Armagh

Alfred Webb

1878

Dowdall, George, Archbishop of Armagh, was born in the County of Louth. Having secured a living through the interest of the Lord-Deputy, St. Leger, he was appointed to the primacy in 1543, succeeding George Cromer. In February 1550, after the accession of Edward VI., he was deprived of the primacy for refusing to adopt the English ritual. Ware says: "I do not find that he was stripped of his bishoprick, but his high stomach could not digest this affront. He went into voluntary banishment." He was recalled by Queen Mary, and in 1554 restored to his primacy. A commission was then issued to him and others to deprive all married bishops and clergy of their livings. He died in London, 15th August 1558.

Sources

339. Ware, Sir James, Works: Walter Harris. 2 vols. Dublin, 1764.

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