Edward Denison
13 March 1801 -
6 March 1854

Family

Edward Denison's father, John Wilkinson, assumed the name of Denison upon the death of his cousin William Denison, who left him his estate and business in Leeds on the condition that he change his name. Edward Denison's mother was Charlotte Estwick. He married, first, Louisa Seymer in 1839, and second, the Hon. Clemintina Baillie-Hamilton in 1845.

Education

Denison entered Eton in 1811, from which he proceeded to Oriel College, Oxford, in 1818. In 1822 he took a first class and his B.A. He was elected Fellow of Merton College in 1826, and proceeded to his M.A. in 1827. In 1837 he was created D.D.

Church Appointments and Service

He was ordained in December 1827. He first served as curate at Wolvercot, near Oxford, and at Radcliffe, Nottinghamshire, before returning to Oxford to take charge of the parish of St. Peter. There he remained until his consecration to the bishopric of Salisbury on 16 April 1837.

Noteworthy Publications

Denison's chief published works include The Sin of Causing Offense: A Sermon (1835), A Review of the State fo the Question Respecting the Admission of Dissenters to the Universities (1835), Sermons Preached before the University of Oxford (1836), The Church the Teacher of Her Children: A Sermon (1839), The Obligation of the Clergy in Preaching the Word of God: A Charge (1842), and Difficulties in the Church: A Sermon (1853).

Footnote

"He was a well-known advocate of the revival of the church's synodical powers, and in convocation displayed considerable resolution in furthering the movement. His patronage was impartially bestowed, and in all practical work he displayed administrative power, although in his theological views he was always somewhat intolerant." -- DNB 5: 802