Thomas Dampier
1748 -
13 May 1812

Family

Thomas Dampier was the eldest son of Dr. Thomas Dampier, Dean of Durham.

Education

He was educated at Eton and at King's College, Cambridge, from which he graduated B.A. in 1771. He obtained his M.A. in 1774 and his D.D. in 1780. He worked for a period as a private tutor at Eton.

Church Appointments and Service

After serving as vicar at Bexley, Kent, and master of Sherburn Hospital, he was, in 1778, made prebendary of Durham. This appointment he held until 1808. In 1782 he was made Dean of Rochester, and in 1802 Bishop of Rochester. Six years later he was translated to the See of Ely.

Noteworthy Publications

He published several sermons.

Footnote

"As a bishop he proved kindly and liberal. . . . He was celebrated for his love of literature, and for the splendid library and collection of prints whcih he accumulated throughout his life." -- DNB 5: 451-52