Spencer Madan

The son of Colonel Martin Madan and Judith Madan of London, and younger brother of Martin Madan, he was sent to Westminster School in 1742, and in 1746 went to Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1749 he graduated B.A. as third wrangler, M.A. 1753, D.D. 1756.[1] He was at first intended for the bar, like his elder brother, but shortly after took holy orders. In 1753 he was elected to a fellowship at his college, but after short residence became vicar of Haxhay with the rectory of West Halton, both in Lincolnshire. In 1761 he was appointed chaplain in ordinary to the king, a position which he held till 1787, being also from 1770 to 1794 prebendary of Peterborough, and at the same time rector of Castor, Northamptonshire. In 1776 he was appointed to the sinecure rectory of Ashley, Berkshire, and in 1793 was promoted as Bishop of Bristol, where he was consecrated bishop on 3 June. Early in 1794, on the death of John Hinchliffe, he was translated to Peterborough, where he remained till his death, at the age of eighty-four, on 8 November 1813.

He was buried in Peterborough Cathedral. The grave lies at the east end of the cathedral.

Madan was twice married, first to Lady Charlotte, second daughter of Charles Cornwallis, 1st Earl Cornwallis (who died 1794, aged 68, and was buried in the Abbey Church at Bath). By her he had two sons, Spencer, and William Charles, who became a colonel in the army; and a daughter, Charlotte who married General George Warde (1725–1803).[2] In 1796 the bishop married, secondly, Mary Vyse, daughter of William Vyse of Lichfield and sister of William Vyse (1741–1816), archdeacon of Coventry.[3] Madan left no issue by his second marriage.

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Madan, Spencer (1729-1813)". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.