George Pelham (bishop)

George Pelham (1766-1827) was an English clergyman who served as Bishop of Bristol, Bishop of Exeter, and Bishop of Lincoln.

Pelham was born on 29 October 1766, the third son of Thomas Pelham, 1st Earl of Chichester, and Anne, daughter of Frederick Meinhardt Frankland. He was educated at Westminster School and Clare College, Cambridge, where he graduated as Senior Wrangler in 1787.

He was ordained a deacon in 1790 and a priest in 1791. His ecclesiastical career began with various appointments including chaplain to the Marquess Cornwallis, and prebendary of Chichester Cathedral.

Pelham was appointed Bishop of Bristol in 1802, a position he held until 1807. He was then translated to the See of Exeter, serving as Bishop of Exeter from 1807 to 1820. Finally, he was translated again to become Bishop of Lincoln in 1820, a post he held until his death in 1827.

As a bishop, Pelham was generally considered conscientious and dedicated. He was known for his strong support of the Church of England and his efforts to promote religious education.

He married Mary Rycroft in 1792. They had several children. Pelham died on 7 February 1827 and is buried in Buckden Palace, Cambridgeshire. His tenure as Bishop of Lincoln witnessed significant social and political changes within England.