Benjamin Petre

Benjamin Petre (10 August 1672 – 22 December 1758) was an English Roman Catholic prelate, Vicar Apostolic of the London District from 1734.

Life

He was born 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. He was buried in St Edmund's College, Ware. He was succeeded by Richard Challoner.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Petre, Benjamin". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.