James Cary (bishop)

James Cary (died 1611) was an English clergyman who served as the Bishop of Exeter.

Cary was born in Bristol. He was educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, matriculating in 1568 and graduating B.A. in 1573, M.A. in 1576, and B.D. and D.D. in 1588.

He held several ecclesiastical positions, including Rector of St. Michael’s, Bath, and Vicar of Abbots Bickington in Devon. He served as Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth I.

Cary was appointed Dean of Exeter in 1583. He was consecrated Bishop of Exeter on November 23, 1601, and held the see until his death in 1611.

He is noted for his efforts in maintaining the fabric of Exeter Cathedral and for his relatively moderate stance during a period of intense religious debate. His episcopate saw a continuation of Puritan challenges within the diocese.