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Thomas Secker

(1693-1768), Archbishop of Canterbury

Early Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 6 portraits
Thomas Secker was born into a family of Dissenters - Protestant Christians who did not follow the beliefs and practices of the Church of England. As a young man Secker began to question his religious allegiance and in 1722 he was ordained into the Church of England. He rose rapidly through the Church, holding a succession of ecclesiastical offices until he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1758. Secker was considered a moderate leader and, due to his background, particularly able to appreciate the best aspects of the newest dissenting movement, Methodism. He encouraged the clergy to emulate the Methodists and reform by engaging in a dialogue with parishioners.

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Thomas Secker

after Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, based on a work of circa 1764-1765
NPG 850

Thomas Secker

by James Macardell, printed for Robert Sayer, after James Wills
mezzotint, 1747 or after
NPG D40627

Thomas Secker

by James Macardell, sold by Mary Overton, after James Wills
mezzotint, 1747
NPG D4201

Thomas Secker

by James Macardell, printed for Robert Sayer, after James Wills
mezzotint, 1747 or after
NPG D4202

Thomas Secker

by W. Hall, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple engraving, (1764-1765)
NPG D13941

Thomas Secker

by James Macardell, after James Wills
mezzotint, 1747 or after
NPG D4203

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Kent

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Thomas Secker

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