Samuel Smith (Dean of Christ Church)

Samuel Smith (1765-1839) was an English academic and clergyman who served as Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, from 1824 until his death. He was the son of John Smith, Rector of Islip, Oxfordshire.

Smith was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, matriculating in 1782 and graduating B.A. in 1786. He gained an M.A. in 1789 and a D.D. in 1811. He became a tutor at Christ Church, and was appointed Canon in 1800.

In addition to his role as Dean of Christ Church, Smith held several other ecclesiastical positions, including Rector of Cropredy, Oxfordshire, from 1795 and Rector of Waterstock, Oxfordshire, from 1807. He was also appointed Prebendary of Durham Cathedral in 1814.

Smith was known for his administrative capabilities and played a significant role in the management of Christ Church's estates and finances. His tenure as Dean coincided with a period of reform and modernization within the University of Oxford. He is not particularly known for extensive scholarly publications, but rather for his contributions to the governance and well-being of Christ Church.