Frederick Denison Maurice

A white marble bust to theologian and Christian socialist Frederick Denison Maurice stands on the window sill of St George's chapel in Westminster Abbey, next to that of his friend Charles Kingsley. The bust has been moved twice. It was originally in St John the Baptist's chapel and then on the east wall of what is now St George's chapel. The original corbel support was removed in 1882. It was moved to its present position on the west side in 1932. The inscription at the front of the bust gives his name and on the left side is:

"Born August 27 1805. Died April 1 1872. Buried at Highgate April 5 1872"

He was born near Lowestoft in Suffolk, the only son of Michael Maurice and his wife Priscilla (Hurry). Educated by his father and at Cambridge he started writing and edited several magazines. He was a friend of the poet Alfred Tennyson. In 1834 he was ordained and was a chaplain to Guy's Hospital in London. He married Anna Barton in 1837 and they had two sons including John Frederick. After her death he married Georgina Hare-Naylor. He was a professor at King's College London and was an impressive lecturer. With Kingsley and others he founded Queen's College for the education of women. He continued his writing, including "The Kingdom of Christ", and served at St Peter's church in Vere Street. He was principal of the Working Men's College, which he had founded. The family declined burial in the Abbey on his behalf and he is buried at Highgate cemetery.

A photo of the bust can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library.