George Bright (priest)

George Bright (born c. 1685, died 1767) was an English clergyman and antiquarian. He is principally known for his meticulous work as a collector of historical documents and manuscripts related to the history of Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding region of Suffolk.

Bright served as the rector of Barningham, Suffolk, from 1717 until his death in 1767. During his tenure, he dedicated much of his time to researching and documenting local history. His extensive collection included charters, deeds, manorial records, and correspondence, all meticulously transcribed and organized.

Bright's collections are now held in various archives, including the Suffolk Record Office and the British Library. They provide invaluable primary source material for researchers studying the social, economic, and religious history of Suffolk in the 17th and 18th centuries. While Bright did not publish any major historical works himself, his diligent preservation and compilation of historical resources have made a significant contribution to the field. His notes and transcriptions are often cited in scholarly works focusing on the history of Bury St Edmunds and its environs.