John Hinchliffe

Who was John Hinchliffe?

Bishop John Hinchliffe was an English churchman and college fellow. He was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1768–88, Bishop of Peterborough, 1769–94, and Dean of Durham, 1788-94.

John Hinchliffe was the son of Joseph Hinchliffe of London. He was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated BA in 1754. He became a fellow in 1755 and was ordained priest by 1757. An assistant master at Westminster School from 1757 to 1764, he acted as headmaster for three months in 1764 before becoming tutor to William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire from 1764 to 1766. Vicar of Greenwich from 1766 to 1769, Hinchliffe was made a Chaplain to George III in 1768, and appointed Master of Trinity College in the same year. In 1769 he was made Bishop of Peterborough. As bishop he played an active role in the House of Lords over the war with America. In 1788 he resigned the Mastership of Trinity. From 1789 until his death Hinchliffe was Dean of Durham. He is buried in Peterborough Cathedral.