Matthew of York (Tobias)

Matthew Of York (Tobias), a noted English prelate, was born in Bristol in 1546. In childhood he manifested unusual talent, and was prepared for Oxford when only thirteen years of age. He took the bachelor's degree in 1563, and three years after the master's, and immediately entered into "holy orders" — a young man much respected for his great learning, eloquence, sweet conversation, friendly disposition, and the sharpness of his wit. In 1566 he was made university orator; in 1570, canon of Christ Church and deacon of Bath; in 1572, prebendary of Sarum and president of St. John's College, Oxford, and one of the queen's chaplains in ordinary. In 1583 he was installed dean of Durham, in 1595 he was created bishop of Durham, and in 1606 archbishop of York. He died at Cawood Castle March 29, 1628, The learning and piety of archbishop Matthew have been warmly eulogized by Camden. It is to be much lamented that his sermons, which are said to have been superior productions, were not preserved to us in print. The only publication of his is entitled Concia Apologetica contra Capianum (Oxf. 1581 and 1638, 8vo). In the cathedral church at York there is a MS. from his pen containing Notes upon all the Ancient Fathers. See Wood, Athenoe Oxonienses; Middleton, Ev. Biogr. 2:478 sq.; Hook, Eccles. Biog. s.v.