Biography of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew 1633-1721

In or before 1624 [his father] John Crew 1st Baron Crew (age 26) and [his mother] Jemima Waldegrave Baroness Crew (age 21) were married.

On 31 Jan 1633 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew was born to John Crew 1st Baron Crew (age 35) and Jemima Waldegrave Baroness Crew (age 31).

                    On 20 Apr 1661 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) created a number of new Baronets and Peers:                

                    William Morice 1st Baronet (age 33) was created 1st Baronet Morice of Werrington in Devon. Gertrude Bampfylde Lady Morice by marriage Lady Morice of Werrington in Devon.
                
                    [his father] John Crew 1st Baron Crew (age 63) was created 1st Baron Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire. [his mother] Jemima Waldegrave Baroness Crew (age 59) by marriage Baroness Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire.                

                    Edward Hyde 1st Earl Clarendon (age 52) was created 1st Earl Clarendon at Westminster Abbey [Map] on the occasion of the Coronation Charles II. Frances Aylesbury Countess Clarendon (age 43) by marriage Countess Clarendon.                

                    Oliver Fitzwilliam 1st Earl Tyrconnel (age 51) was created 1st Earl Tyrconnel. Eleanore Holles Countess Tyrconnel by marriage Countess Tyrconnel.

Pepy's Diary. 17 May 1662. So to Whitehall and there met Mr. Moore, and I walked long in Westminster Hall [Map], and thence with him to the Wardrobe to dinner, where dined Mrs. Sanderson, the mother of the maids, and after dinner my Lady and she and I on foot to Pater Noster Row [Map] to buy a petticoat against the Queen's (age 23) coming for my Lady, of plain satin, and other things; and being come back again, we there met Mr. Nathaniel Crew (age 29)¹ at the Wardrobe with a young gentleman, a friend and fellow student of his, and of a good family, Mr. Knightly, and known to the Crews, of whom my Lady privately told me she hath some thoughts of a match for my Lady Jemimah. I like the person very well, and he hath £2000 per annum.

Note 1. Nathaniel Crew (age 29), born 1633, fifth son of John, first Lord Crew; he himself became third Lord Crew in 1697. Sub-Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford, 1659. Took orders in 1664, and was Rector of Lincoln College in 1668; Dean of Chichester, 1669; Bishop of Oxford, 1671; Bishop of Durham, 1674; sworn of the Privy Council in 1676. He was very subservient to James II, and at the Revolution was excepted from the general pardon of May, 1690, but he was allowed to keep possession of the bishopric of Durham.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Jun 1663. Up betimes, and Mr. Moore coming to see me, he and I discoursed of going to Oxford this Commencement, Mr. Nathaniel Crew (age 30) being Proctor and Mr. Childe commencing Doctor of Musique this year, which I have a great mind to do, and, if I can, will order my matters so that I may do it.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Nov 1666. Thence to my [his father] Lord Crew's (age 68), and there dined, and mightily made of, having not, to my shame, been there in 8 months before. Here my Lord and [his brother] Sir Thomas Crew (age 42), [his brother] Mr. John (age 38), and Dr. Crew (age 33), and two strangers. The best family in the world for goodness and sobriety. Here beyond my expectation I met my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18), who is come to towne two days since from Hinchingbroke [Map], and brought his sister and brother Carteret (age 25) with him, who are at Sir G. Carteret's (age 56).

Pepy's Diary. 05 Nov 1666. After dinner and this discourse I took coach, and at the same time find my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18) and [his brother] Mr. John Crew (age 38) and the Doctor (age 33) going out to see the ruins of the City; so I took the Doctor into my Hackney coach (and he is a very fine sober gentleman), and so through the City. But, Lord! what pretty and sober observations he made of the City and its desolation; till anon we come to my house, and there I took them upon Tower Hill [Map] to shew them what houses were pulled down there since the fire; and then to my house, where I treated them with good wine of several sorts, and they took it mighty respectfully, and a fine company of gentlemen they are; but above all I was glad to see my Lord Hinchingbrooke (age 18) drink no wine at all. Here I got them to appoint Wednesday come se'nnight to dine here at my house, and so we broke up and all took coach again, and I carried the Doctor (age 33) to Chancery Lane [Map], and thence I to White Hall, where I staid walking up and down till night, and then got almost into the play house, having much mind to go and see the play at Court this night; but fearing how I should get home, because of the bonefires and the lateness of the night to get a coach, I did not stay; but having this evening seen my Lady Jemimah, who is come to towne, and looks very well and fat, and heard how Mr. John Pickering (age 55) is to be married this week, and to a fortune with £5000, and seen a rich necklace of pearle and two pendants of dyamonds, which Sir G. Carteret (age 56) hath presented her with since her coming to towne, I home by coach, but met not one bonefire through the whole town in going round by the wall, which is strange, and speaks the melancholy disposition of the City at present, while never more was said of, and feared of, and done against the Papists than just at this time.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Dec 1666. Up, and Creed and I walked (a very fine walk in the frost) to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), but missing him did find him at White Hall, and there spoke with him about some Tangier business. That done, we to Creed's lodgings, which are very pretty, but he is going from them. So we to Lincoln's Inne Fields, he to Ned Pickering's (age 48), who it seems lives there, keeping a good house, and I to my [his father] Lord Crew's (age 68), where I dined, and hear the newes how my Lord's brother, Mr. Nathaniel Crew (age 33), hath an estate of 6 or £700 per annum, left him by the death of an old acquaintance of his, but not akin to him at all. And this man is dead without will, but had, above ten years since, made over his estate to this Mr. Crew (age 33), to him and his heirs for ever, and given Mr. Crew (age 68) the keeping of the deeds in his own hand all this time; by which, if he would, he might have taken present possession of the estate, for he knew what they were. This is as great an act of confident friendship as this latter age, I believe, can shew.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Apr 1667. By and by up to the Duke of York (age 33), where our usual business, and among other things I read two most dismal letters of the straits we are in (from Collonell Middleton and Commissioner Taylor) that ever were writ in the world, so as the Duke of York (age 33) would have them to shew the King (age 36), and to every demand of money, whereof we proposed many and very pressing ones, Sir G. Carteret (age 57) could make no answer but no money, which I confess made me almost ready to cry for sorrow and vexation, but that which was the most considerable was when Sir G. Carteret (age 57) did say that he had no funds to raise money on; and being asked by Sir W. Coventry (age 39) whether the eleven months' tax was not a fund, and he answered, "No, that the bankers would not lend money upon it". Then Sir W. Coventry (age 39) burst out and said he did supplicate his Royal Highness, and would do the same to the King (age 36), that he would remember who they were that did persuade the King (age 36) from parting with the Chimney-money to the Parliament, and taking that in lieu which they would certainly have given, and which would have raised infallibly ready money; meaning the bankers and the farmers of the Chimney-money, whereof Sir, G. Carteret, I think, is one; saying plainly, that whoever did advise the King (age 36) to that, did, as much as in them lay, cut the King's throat, and did wholly betray him; to which the Duke of York (age 33) did assent; and remembered that the King (age 36) did say again and again at the time, that he was assured, and did fully believe, the money would be raised presently upon a land-tax. This put as all into a stound; and Sir W. Coventry (age 39) went on to declare, that he was glad he was come to have so lately concern in the Navy as he hath, for he cannot now give any good account of the Navy business; and that all his work now was to be able to provide such orders as would justify his Royal Highness in the business, when it shall be called to account; and that he do do, not concerning himself whether they are or can be performed, or no; and that when it comes to be examined, and falls on my Lord Treasurer (age 60), he cannot help it, whatever the issue of it shall be. Hereupon Sir W. Batten (age 66) did pray him to keep also by him all our letters that come from the office that may justify us, which he says he do do, and, God knows, it is an ill sign when we are once to come to study how to excuse ourselves. It is a sad consideration, and therewith we broke up, all in a sad posture, the most that ever I saw in my life. One thing more Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did say to the Duke of York (age 33), when I moved again, that of about £9000 debt to Lanyon, at Plymouth, Devon [Map], he might pay £3700 worth of prize-goods, that he bought lately at the candle, out of this debt due to him from the King (age 36); and the Duke of York (age 33), and Sir G: Carteret, and Lord Barkeley (age 65), saying, all of them, that my Lord Ashly (age 45) would not be got to yield to it, who is Treasurer of the Prizes, Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did plainly desire that it might be declared whether the proceeds of the prizes were to go to the helping on of the war, or no; and, if it were, how then could this be denied? which put them all into another stound; and it is true, God forgive us! Thence to the chappell, and there, by chance, hear that Dr. Crew (age 34) is to preach; and so into the organ-loft, where I met Mr. Carteret, and my Lady Jemimah, and [his brother] Sir Thomas Crew's (age 43) two daughters, and Dr. Childe (age 61) played; and Dr. Crew (age 34) did make a very pretty, neat, sober, honest sermon; and delivered it very readily, decently, and gravely, beyond his years: so as I was exceedingly taken with it, and I believe the whole chappell, he being but young; but his manner of his delivery I do like exceedingly. His text was, "But seeke ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you". Thence with my Lady to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) lodgings, and so up into the house, and there do hear that the Dutch letters are come, and say that the Dutch have ordered a passe to be sent for our Commissioners, and that it is now upon the way, coming with a trumpeter blinded, as is usual. But I perceive every body begins to doubt the success of the treaty, all their hopes being only that if it can be had on any terms, the Chancellor (age 58) will have it; for he dare not come before a Parliament, nor a great many more of the courtiers, and the King (age 36) himself do declare he do not desire it, nor intend it but on a strait; which God defend him from! Here I hear how the King (age 36) is not so well pleased of this marriage between the Duke of Richmond and Mrs. Stewart (age 19), as is talked; and that he [the Duke] by a wile did fetch her to the Beare [Map], at the bridge foot, where a coach was ready, and they are stole away into Kent, without the King's leave; and that the King (age 36) hath said he will never see her more; but people do think that it is only a trick. This day I saw Prince Rupert (age 47) abroad in the Vane-room, pretty well as he used to be, and looks as well, only something appears to be under his periwigg on the crown of his head.

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After 29 Apr 1669 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 36) was appointed Clerk of the Closet to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 38).

In 1671 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 37) was appointed Bishop of Oxford.

On 09 Feb 1671 Catherine Stewart was born to James Duke of York (age 37) and Anne Hyde Duchess of York (age 33). She was baptised by Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 38).

In 1674 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 40) was appointed Bishop of Durham.

Around 1675 John Greenhill (age 31) (attributed). Portrait of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 41).

On 14 Oct 1675 [his mother] Jemima Waldegrave Baroness Crew (age 73) died.

On 12 Dec 1679 [his father] John Crew 1st Baron Crew (age 81) died. His son [his brother] Thomas Crew 2nd Baron Crew (age 55) succeeded 2nd Baron Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire.

In 1680 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 46) lived at 16 17 Great Piazza Covent Garden.

From 1681 to 1688 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 54) lived at 43 King Street.

Evelyn's Diary. 30 Mar 1684. Easter day. The Bp. of Rochester [Dr. Turner] (age 46) preach'd before, the King (age 53) after which his Ma*, accompanied with three of his natural sonns, the Dukes of Northumberland (age 18), Richmond, and St. Alban's (age 13) (sons of Portsmouth (age 34), Cleaveland (age 43), and Nelly (age 34)), went up to the Altar; ye three boyes entering before the King (age 53) within the railes, at the right hand, and three Bishops on the left, viz. London (age 52) (who officiated), Durham (age 51), and Rochester (age 46), with the Sub-dean Dr. Holder. the King (age 53) kneeling before the Altar, zaking his offering, the Bishop first receiv'd, and then his Ma* after which he retir'd to a canopied seate on the right hand. Note, there was perfume burnt before the Office began. I had receiv'd ye Sacrament at Whitehall early with the Lords and Household, ye Bp. of London officiating. Then went to St. Martin's [Map], where Dr. Tenison (age 47) preach'd (recover'd from yc small-pox); then went againe to Whitehall as above. In the afternoone went to St. Martin's againe.

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Feb 1685. Prayers were solemnly made in all the Churches, especialy in both ye Court Chapells, where the Chaplaines reliev'd one another every halfe quarter of an houre from the time he began to be in danger till he expir'd, according to the forme prescrib'd in the Church Offices. Those who assisted his Majesty's (age 54) devotions were, the Abp. of Canterbury (age 68), the Bishops of London (age 53), Durham (age 52), and Ely (age 47), but more especialy Dr. Ken, the Bp. of Bath and Wells (age 47) receiving the Holy Sacrament, but his Ma* told them he would consider of it, which he did so long 'till it was too late. Others whisper'd that the Bishops and Lords, except the Earles of Bath (age 56) and Feversham (age 44), being order'd to withdraw the night before, Hurlston, the 'Priest, had presumed to administer the Popish Offices. He gave his breeches and keys to yc Duke (age 51), who was almost continually kneeling by his bed-side, and in teares. He also recommended to him the care of his natural children, all except the Duke of Monmouth (age 35), now in Holland, and in his displeasure. He intreated the Queene (age 46) to pardon him (not without cause); who a little before had sent a Bishop to excuse her not more frequently visiting him, in reguard of her excessive griefe, and withall, that his Ma* (age 54) would forgive it if at any time she had offended him. He spake to ye Duke (age 51) to be kind to the Dutchesse of Cleaveland (age 44), and especialy Portsmouth (age 35), and that Nelly (age 35) might not starve.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jan 1686. Imploring ye continuance of God's providential care for the yeare now entered, I went to the public devotions. The Deane of the Chapell and Cleark of the Closset put out, viz. Bp. of London (age 54) and ..., and Rochester (age 51) and Durham (age 52) put in their places; the former had oppos'd the toleration intended, and shewn a worthy zeale for the Reform'd Religion as establish'd.

Evelyn's Diary. 14 Jul 1686. Was sealed at our office the constitution of certain commissioners to take upon them full power of all Ecclesiastical affairs, in as unlimited a manner, or rather greater, than the late High Commission-Court, abrogated by Parliament; for it had not only faculty to inspect and visit all Bishops' dioceses, but to change what laws and statutes they should think fit to alter among the colleges, though founded by private men; to punish, suspend, fine, etc., give oaths and call witnesses. The main drift was to suppress zealous preachers. In sum, it was the whole power of a Vicar-General-note the consequence! Of the clergy the commissioners were the Archbishop of Canterbury [Sancroft] (age 69), Bishop of Durham [Crewe] (age 53), and Rochester [Sprat] (age 51); of the Temporals, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chancellor [Jefferies] (age 41) (who alone was ever to be of the quorum), the Chief justice [Herbert] (age 38), and Lord President [Earl of Sunderland] (age 44).

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Sep 1686. Dr. Compton, Bishop of London (age 54), was on Monday suspended, on pretense of not silencing Dr. Sharp (age 41) [NOTE. Assumed to be the subsequent Archbishop?] at St. Giles's [Map], for something of a sermon in which he zealously reproved the doctrine of the Roman Catholics. The Bishop having consulted the civilians, they told him he could not by any law proceed against Dr. Sharp (age 41) without producing witnesses, and impleaded according to form; but it was overruled by my Lord Chancellor (age 41), and the Bishop sentenced without so much as being heard to any purpose. This was thought a very extraordinary way of proceeding, and was universally resented, and so much the rather for that two Bishops, Durham (age 53) and Rochester (age 51), sitting in the commission and giving their suffrages the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 69) refused to sit among them. He was only suspended ab officio, and that was soon after taken off. He was brother to the Earl of Northampton, had once been a soldier, had traveled in Italy, but became a sober, grave, and excellent prelate.

Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 57).

On 21 Dec 1691 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 58) and Penelope Frowde Baroness Crewe were married.

On 30 Nov 1697 [his brother] Thomas Crew 2nd Baron Crew (age 73) died. His brother Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 64) succeeded 3rd Baron Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire. [his wife] Penelope Frowde Baroness Crewe by marriage Baroness Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire.

In 1698 Godfrey Kneller (age 51). Portrait of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 64).

In 1699 [his wife] Penelope Frowde Baroness Crewe died.

On 23 Jul 1700 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 67) and Dorothy Forster Baroness Crewe (age 29) were married. She by marriage Baroness Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire. The difference in their ages was 37 years.

Before 01 Sep 1700 [his brother-in-law] William Forster of Bamburgh Castle (age 33) and Elizabeth Pert Baroness Stawell (age 23) were married.

On 01 Sep 1700 [his brother-in-law] William Forster of Bamburgh Castle (age 33) died.

In 1701, following the murder of [his brother-in-law] Ferdinando Forster (age 30), he estate passed through to co-heirs: his sister [his wife] Dorothy (age 30) who had married Nathaniel Crew, 3rd Baron Crew (age 67), Bishop of Durham, and Thomas Forster of Adderstone (age 17), the son of their deceased sister Frances.

On 22 Aug 1701 [his brother-in-law] Ferdinando Forster (age 31) was killed in a duel by John Fenwick. Ferdinando slipped on the cobbles before the duel commenced, and was run through by John Fenwick. As Ferdinando had slipped this was regarded as murder and exactly one month later, Fenwick was hanged on the same spot, the authorities having barred all the city gates to prevent any attempt by supporters, to rescue the condemned man.

In the annals of the line of "Bamburgh Forsters", Ferdinando is known only for his untimely end, and for his armour hanging in the Chancel of St Aidan's church, Bamburgh. It has been suggested that in a brawl at a Newcastle pub, Ferdinando, MP for Berwick, and Fenwick taunted each other with partisan political songs. But there seems to be more to it…

In 1715 [his wife] Dorothy Forster Baroness Crewe (age 44) died.

On 18 Sep 1721 Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 88) died. Baron Crew of Stene in Northamptonshire extinct.

Royal Ancestors of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew 1633-1721

Ancestors of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew 1633-1721