Edward Charles Harington


Edward Charles Harington was an English churchman and writer.

Life

He was the only son of the Rev. Edward Harington by his wife, Frances, daughter of John Boote of Fifield House, Oxfordshire; Sir Edward Harington was his grandfather. He appears to have been educated privately, and entered Worcester College, Oxford, on 6 July 1824, aged 19, where he graduated B.A. in 1828, and M.A. in 1833.
Taking orders, Harington became incumbent of St David's Church, Exeter, and with the support of Bishop Henry Phillpotts of Exeter, was made a prebendary of Exeter Cathedral in 1845, and in 1847 chancellor of the church. He resigned his incumbency, and concentrated on diocesan work, especially education. He managed consensus in establishing the Diocesan Training College, taught there, and contributed to its endowments. In 1856 he became a canon residentiary of Exeter, spending no less than £15,000 on the repairs of the fabric, and £1,000 in providing seats in the nave. He also acted as subdean.
Harington was shy and considered somewhat eccentric, residing at first with his sisters and then alone. He attended the turning of the first sod of every new railway in England, and collected a good library. On 4 July 1881 he was attacked by apoplexy while attending a meeting at the Exeter Guildhall for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and died on the 14th of the month. He was buried with his Haringtom ancestors at Kelston.

Legacy

Harington left money to the poor of Kelston parish, and bequeathed his library to the dean and chapter of Exeter Cathedral, with £2,000 for a librarian. He left legacies to church institutions and to poor dependents.

Works

Harington wrote: