James Usher

James Usher

Dublin-born James Ussher (1581-1656), Church of Ireland archbishop of Armagh, and scholar, was famous for using the Biblical scriptures to determine the date of the foundation of the world - a very precise 23rd October 4004 BC. Fanciful today, this remained a popular notion for some time. In his 'biography', Richard Parr, one of Ussher's chaplains, promoted the archbishop's moderate Anglicanism, and emphasized his fierce anti-Catholicism. However, only by removing unacceptable passages was the publication passed by the censors of the king, James II. This is the first edition.

Richard Parr, The Life of the Most Reverend Father in God, James Usher, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Armagh, Primate and Metropolitan of All Ireland. London: Printed for Nathanael Ranew, [1686]. Shoults Ec 1686 P

University of Otago Eire a Moradh - Singing the Praises of Ireland, Special Collections Exhibition from the University of Otago Library <