John Pritchett (bishop)

John Pritchett^[1] (died 1 January 1681) was an English churchman, bishop of Gloucester from 1672.

Life

He was the son of Walter Pritchett of Cowley Hall.^[2][3] He studied at the University of Oxford from 1622, graduating M.A. in 1629. He was collated to the joint rectory of St Andrew Undershaft-St Mary Axe in 1641, but was sequestrated during the First English Civil War.^[4] Under the Commonwealth he had a living at Harlington, Middlesex, but was replaced in 1658.^[5] He also held the curacy of the church at Harefield, Middlesex, but was removed from that position in favour of a Mr. Hoare.^[6]

After the Restoration, he returned to his position at St Andrew Undershaft.^[7] He was appointed vicar of St Giles Cripplegate in 1663,^[4] successor to John Dolben. He avoided the Great Plague of London in 1665 by moving to the country.^[7]

He was appointed bishop of Gloucester in 1672, but continued as vicar of St Giles Cripplegate. In his diocese he opposed the dissenter Nicholas Billingsley.^[8]

He died on his estate at Harefield on 1 January 1681 and was buried under the pulpit of Harefield Church. He left to St Giles Cripplegate a communion flagon that still belongs to the church.^[9]