Tatham, Ralph

Person

Tatham, Ralph

c. 1778 - 1857

Born c. 1778 in Barton, Whittingham, Northumberland, Ralph Tatham was the eldest son of Rev. Ralph Tatham (BA 1776). He was baptised there on 6 November 1778, and was educated at Durham School before being admitted as pensioner to St John's. He matriculated Michaelmas Term 1796, and was then admitted as Scholar. He graduated as 12th Wrangler in 1800, and achieved his MA 1803, BD 1811, and DD (per Lit. Reg.) 1839. Both his brothers, Thomas Tatham (BA 1806) and William Tatham (BA 1810) also attended St John's College. Ralph Tatham became a Fellow of the College in 1802; was a tutor 1814-30; was President 1827-39; and on the death of James Wood he was unanimously elected Master in May 1839, a position he held until his death in 1857. He was also Junior Proctor 1809-10, and Public Orator for the University of Cambridge 1809-36. For the years 1839-40, and 1845-6 he also served the office of University Vice-Chancellor.

He also had interests in the Church, and was first ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Rochester on 8 July 1804, followed by Priest on 30 September that same year. He was Curate of Longstowe with Croxton, Cambridgeshire, in 1807, and Chaplain of Horningsea in 1809. In 1816 he was instituted Rector of St Mary Colkirk with Stibbard, Norfolk, and he held this position until his death. He died on 19 January 1857, at St John's Lodge, aged 79, and was buried beside his brother, Thomas Tatham, in the old Ante-chapel. The slab covering his grave can be seen on the site of the old Chapel.

Scott (R.F.) ed.; Admission to the College of St John... ; Pt IV. 1767-1802, via Tathamfamilyhistory
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