William Markham (1719 – 3 November 1807), English divine, served as Archbishop of York from 1777 until his death.
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Early life
William Markham was born in 1719 to Major William Markham and Elizabeth (née Markham) of Kinsale in Ireland.
He was educated at Westminster School and at Christ Church, Oxford, where he matriculated on 6 June 1738, graduating BA 1742, MA 1745, BCL & DCL 1752.
Career
He was one of the best scholars of his day, and attained to the headship of his old school and college: he served as Headmaster of Westminster 1753–1765, and Dean of Christ Church 1767–1776. Between those headships, he held the deanery of Rochester 1765–1767. He held from time to time a number of livings, and in 1771 was made Bishop of Chester and tutor to George, Prince of Wales. In 1776 he became Archbishop of York, and also Lord High Almoner and privy councillor.
He was a fierce critic of pamphleteer Richard Price concerning the American rebellion. He was for some time a close friend of Edmund Burke, but his strong championship of Warren Hastings caused a breach. He was accused by Lord Chatham of preaching pernicious doctrines, and was a victim of the Gordon Riots in 1780.