Francis Edward Paget
Francis Edward Paget was a notable English clergyman, author, and proponent of the Oxford Movement, born on May 24, 1806. He was the son of Sir Edward Paget, a military general, and faced the loss of his mother at birth. Paget received his education at Westminster School and later at Oxford University's Christ Church, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in arts. In 1835, he became the rector of Elford, serving in that role for nearly half a century, and was also chaplain to the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Paget was dedicated to making church spaces accessible to all social classes, advocating for the restoration of church buildings and innovative fundraising strategies to support these efforts. His commitment to the Oxford Movement influenced his sermons and writings, which included moral tales aimed at educating congregants and inspiring broader community engagement. Notable works include his short story collection "Tales of the Village" and "The Hope of the Katzekopfs," which is recognized as an early English fairy tale. He was also known for his philanthropic contributions, donating much of his writing profits to repair his parish church. Paget's literary contributions and his pastoral work left a significant mark on both religious and children's literature in his time. He passed away on August 4, 1882.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Francis Edward Paget
Writer
- Born: May 24, 1806
- Birthplace: England
- Died: August 4, 1882
- Place of death: Elford, England
Biography
Francis Edward Paget was born on May 24, 1806, in England, to Sir Edward Paget, a military general, and Frances Bagot Paget. His mother died when he was born. Paget began studies at Westminster School on September 16, 1817. After completing those courses, in June, 1824, Paget enrolled at Oxford University’s Christ Church, earning two degrees: a bachelor’s in arts in 1828 and a master’s in arts two years later.
Starting in 1835, Paget served as the rector of Elford for forty-seven years. He also became Richard Bagot’s chaplain while Bagot was the Bath and Wells bishop. Paget married Fanny Chester, whose father was the Denton rector, on June 2, 1840. They had one son and six daughters.
Paget endorsed the Oxford Movement in his sermons and writing. A Tractarian, he encouraged the spiritual messages of the Tracts for the Times (1833) recorded by John Henry Newman and other Oxford religious leaders. Paget was particularly concerned with churches being accessible to people of all social classes and not just for the wealthy who could afford pews.
He encouraged restoring church structures, innovating ways to collect money for improvements, such as having children donate coins to buy a font for his parish church’s restoration. Paget’s August 2, 1849, dedication sermon commemorated that refurbished structure and was printed and distributed as The Destinies of God’s Temples. He directed additional restoration efforts in 1869 and spoke at yearly celebrations honoring the restored church. Paget died on August 4, 1882, at Elford.
Paget initiated his writing career to promote the Oxford Movement and his religious philosophies because he realized many of his congregants enjoyed reading fiction. By 1840, he had written short stories which he compiled in his book Tales of the Village. Paget’s writing emphasized restoring churches, fundraising, and enabling all people to attend services regardless of income.
A versatile writer, Paget created stories for The Juvenile Englishman’s Library; edited books in that juvenile series through 1847, in addition to annotating religious texts written by Bishop Simon Patrick; discussed contemporary topics; and prepared collections of prayers and sermons. He wrote a book featuring the Elford church in 1879. Paget incorporated moral messages in his stories. The Hope of the Katzekopfs, which he attributed to his pen name William Churne of Staffordshire, used human, fantastical, and allegorical characters to emphasize the benefits and dangers of specific good and bad behaviors. Paget permitted use of his name in later editions because that story had successfully educated young readers regarding morals and received public acceptance. He donated most of his writing profits to his parish to repair its church.
Contemporary readers liked Paget’s books, especially The Hope of the Katzekopfs, and publishers reprinted editions to meet demand. Rudyard Kipling admitted being inspired by Paget’s writing. Scholars praised Paget’s depictions of rural people, settings, and situations, considering his depictions better than those of his peers. They described The Hope of the Katzekopfs as an early English fairy tale that helped establish that genre in children’s literature.