6 OF 875

William Markham ('The church militant')

6 of 875 portraits by James Gillray

by James Gillray, published by William Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 5 September 1779
9 5/8 in. x 13 7/8 in. (245 mm x 353 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12279

Sitterback to top

William Markham (1719-1807), Archbishop of York; Headmaster of Westminster School. Sitter in 11 portraits.

Artistsback to top

James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 881 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
William Humphrey (1742?-before 1815), Engraver and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 70 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In this early etching Gillray shows the Church to be greedy, self-serving and militaristic. A motley procession of armed clerics are led in a weary procession by the corpulent William Markham, Archbishop of York (1777-1807), on horseback holding a drawn sword. Two young choristers lead the singing. Their chorus is corrupted by the bishops behind who sing 'Give us good beef in store, when that's gone send us more, and the key of the cellar door, that we may drink. From labour and industry - good lord deliver us'. The subject of this satire was the belligerent Markham who was attacked by the Whig opposition in the House of Lords for allegedly inspiring the Church's support of the war against the American colonies.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (227 Strand, London)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1779back to top

Current affairs

Admiral Augustus Keppel, First Lord of the Admiralty during the final years of the American War of Independence is tried and acquitted at court martial of misconduct at the Battle of Ushant the previous year. His case becomes a cause célèbre.
Botanist Joseph Banks tells a committee of the House of Commons that the east coast of Australia is suitable for the transportation of convicted felons.
Penitentiary Act authorises state prisons.

Art and science

Swiss artist Henry Fuseli settles in London after nine years in Rome. Painter and President of the Royal Academy Joshua Reynolds' celebrated Discourses on art are published as a book.
World's first iron bridge is assembled across the Severn at Coalbrookdale.Inventor Samuel Crompton introduces the Spinning Mule.
John Newton and William Cowper's Olney Hymns is published, containing the first printed version of Amazing Grace.

International

American War of Independence: Spain, in alliance with France and the US, declares war on Britain. Great Siege of Gibraltar begins, in which French and Spanish forces try to wrest power from the established British Garrison, under the leadership of General George Augustus Eliot.
Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with natives on the Sandwich Islands on his third and final voyage.

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