Benjamin Petre

Benjamin Petre (1672–1758) was an English Roman Catholic prelate, Vicar Apostolic of the London District from 1734.

Life

He was born 10 August 1672, the son of John Petre (1617–1690) of Fidlers or Fithlers, Essex (who was a younger brother of William Petre the translator), by his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of John Pincheon of Writtle. He was educated at the English College, Douai, and, after being admitted to the priesthood, became tutor to Lord Derwentwater, who was subsequently beheaded for treason.

He was consecrated titular bishop of Prusa on 11 November 1721, and appointed coadjutor bishop with right of succession Bonaventure Giffard, at that time vicar-apostolic of the London district. On Gifford's death on 12 March 1734, he succeeded to the vicariate. He resided chiefly at Fidlers, died on 22 December 1758, and was buried in St. Edmund's College, Ware. He was succeeded by Richard Challoner.

References


Catholic Church titles
Preceded by
Bonaventure Giffard
Vicar Apostolic of the London District
1734–1758
Succeeded by
Richard Challoner