19 Facts About Francis Jayne

Francis John Jayne was a British bishop and academic.

Francis Jayne was educated at Rugby School and Wadham College, Oxford.

Francis Jayne was awarded first-class honours in classical moderations, literae humaniores, jurisprudence and modern history, making him distinguished academically.

Francis Jayne was elected Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, in 1868 and tutor of Keble College in 1871.

From 1879 to 1886, Francis Jayne was Principal of St David's College, a university institution in the small Welsh town of Lampeter.

The report recommended that the Colleges at Aberystwyth and Lampeter be united to form one institution, but Francis Jayne fought the plan and retained St David's College's independence.

Francis Jayne reformed the college in many ways; new statutes were issued and affiliation to Oxford and Cambridge was achieved.

Francis Jayne is remembered as the 'second founder' of the college.

Francis Jayne became Bishop of Chester in 1889, a position he held for the next thirty years.

Francis Jayne was concerned about excessive drinking and the misuse of alcohol.

Francis Jayne published an article called Successful Public-House Reform discussing the virtues of the Scandinavian Gothenburg system for managing pubs etc.

Francis Jayne founded the People's Refreshment House Association Limited which at its peak owned 130 inns and hotels.

Francis Jayne said 'The sword which God gave to earthly rulers to wield was given, we ventured to think, to England as the peacemaker of the world, as the guardian of the seas against the perils which would otherwise assail not only ourselves.

Francis Jayne followed up two months later clarifying what he regarded as Britain's duty 'We are fighting, not only for ourselves and the safety of our Empire, but for the very life of Christian civilisation, for the cause of righteousness, honour and liberty, for the independence of smaller states.

Francis Jayne instigated a Roll of Honour with names of his clergy and their families who had volunteered for the Forces.

Francis Jayne promoted the work of the Church Army and the YMCA, their need for volunteers and fund-raising.

Francis Jayne's increased workload led his staff to compel him to 'abstain from all duties' and to rest but his health remained fragile until and after his retirement.

Francis Jayne resigned his bishopric in April 1919 owing to ill health caused by over work.

Francis Jayne died at his home at The Quarry, Oswestry, and was buried at Bowdon, Cheshire.