Theophilus Leigh


Theophilus Leigh, D.D. was an 18th-century Oxford academic of aristocratic descent.

Life

Elected Master of Balliol College, Oxford on 12 May 1726, through the influence of his uncle, Lord Chandos, Dr Leigh remained in post until his death in 1785, the longest incumbent in office. Appointed Rector of Broadwell, Gloucestershire in 1718, Leigh served as Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University from 1738 until 1741.
A relative of the Barons Leigh and great-uncle of Jane Austen, he married Anne Bee, only daughter of Edward Bee, of Beckley Park, Oxfordshire; they had two daughters, Mary and Cassandra.