1678       

1678
Ralph Brideoake, D.D., Bishop of Chichester, died. He was born at Cheetham Hill in 1614. He was educated at the Grammar School and at Brazenose College, and in 1636 was created M.A. His only writings are some Latin commendatory verses (Wood’s Athenæ Oxon, vol. iv., p. 859), but some literary help given to Dr. Jackson, President of Corpus Christi College, procured him the Mastership of the Manchester Grammar School. He was chaplain at Lathom House during the siege, and his earnestness in trying to save the life of his master, the Earl of Derby, brought him the favour of Lenthall, the Speaker, who made him chaplain. On the Restoration he became Rector of Standish, and by the influence of the King’s mistress, the Duchess of Portsmouth, he was appointed Bishop of Chichester in 1675, where he died, and is buried in St. George’s Chapel. His devotion to the Stanleys in their evil fortunes is creditable to him, but otherwise he was a pliant and self-seeking courtier.(7)