Charles Thorp
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Charles Thorp (1784 - 1862) was rector of the parish of Ryton and, later, Archdeacon of Durham and the Virtual Founder and first warden of the University of Durham.
Thorp became rector of Ryton in 1811, joining a prestigious group with previous rectors including Thomas Secker, later Archbishop of Canterbury.
After his time as rector at Ryton, Thorp became Archdeacon of Durham in 1831 and, a year later, became the first warden of the University of Durham. Thorp remained heavily involved with the university, also being the first master, the most senior person in the SCR, of University College. This was a position he held until his death in 1862.