John Lonsdale

Born in 1788, John Lonsdale was educated at Eton, Cambridge, and King’s. He married Sophia Bolland, the daughter of a hop merchant, and had five children. He initially turned down the opportunity to be principal of KCL, but ended up taking the post as the university’s third Principal. He was elected Provost of Eton but declined the position in favour of another candidate who the Eton fellows had deemed to have insufficient academic qualifications. Lonsdale later served as the Bishop of Lichfield, though he struggled to accept the position. He was an active member of London’s religious scene - actively involved in the National Society, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and the Incorporated Church Building Society. He consecrated 156 new churches. Personal wealth from profits made from improvements to an estate leased on Sunak Island (Humber).