Lord William Cecil

Lord Rupert Ernest William Gascoyne-Cecil (9 March 1863 – 23 June 1936) was a British clergyman who served as Bishop of Exeter from 1916 until his death in 1936. He was the second son of the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury and Lady Georgina Cecil (née Georgina Alderson).

Born at Hatfield House, Cecil was the second son of Lord Robert Cecil, who later became the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, and Lady Georgina Cecil. In 1865, following the death of his father's elder brother without an heir, Cecil's father succeeded as Viscount Cranborne, and Cecil gained the courtesy title of The Hon. William Cecil. When his father became the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury in 1868, Cecil assumed the title Lord William Cecil. His siblings included James, Viscount Cranborne (later the 4th Marquess), Lord Robert Cecil (later the 1st Viscount Cecil of Chelwood), and Lord Hugh Cecil (later the 1st Baron Quickswood).

He received his education at Eton College, where he was nicknamed "Fish" after experiencing bullying. He then attended University College, Oxford, earning a third-class degree in law. After completing his education, Cecil briefly worked in London's East End slums before entering the Anglican priesthood. He was ordained in 1887.

In August 1887, Cecil married Lady Florence Mary Bootle-Wilbraham, daughter of Edward Bootle-Wilbraham, 1st Earl of Lathom. They had seven children, including three sons—Randle William, John Arthur, and Rupert Edward—who were killed during the First World War. His eldest son Randle was born in 1889 and died in 1917 at the Front. John Arthur was born in 1893 and died in 1918, while Rupert Edward was born in 1895 and died in 1915. Their other children included Victor Alexander Cecil, who survived the war, and three daughters: Eve Alice, Mary Edith (married Francis Manners, 4th Baron Manners), and Anne.

Cecil's early ecclesiastical career included a curacy in Great Yarmouth, which lasted less than a year. In 1888, he was appointed rector of Hatfield, a position he held for 28 years. He later became Rural Dean of Hertford in 1904, a chaplain to King Edward VII in 1909, and an honorary canon of St Alban's Cathedral in 1910.

He developed an interest in China, particularly after attending the fifth Lambeth Conference in 1908. He and his wife authored the book "Changing China" in 1910, reflecting their engagement with Chinese affairs and Christianity in that country.

In 1916, Cecil was appointed Bishop of Exeter by Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, despite initial reluctance and concerns regarding his suitability. His appointment was considered unusual due to his limited experience for such a role, and it was suggested that a significant personal income might have facilitated his selection.

As bishop, Cecil served during the last two years of the First World War. He advocated for women's employment in wartime and urged clergy to maintain morale through positive attitudes. His episcopate was characterized by broad ecumenical tolerance; he did not enforce strict doctrinal conformity and maintained amicable relations with Nonconformist groups.

He proposed the abolition of the office of the Dean at Exeter Cathedral to generate funds for a suffragan bishop, though the proposal was rejected. Cecil was known for his eccentric behavior, which contributed to his reputation for eccentricity; anecdotes include feeding rats during a visit and turning flames green with copper sulphate. His personality was described as loving, but his administrative abilities were sometimes questioned.

Following his death in 1936, Cecil was commemorated with sculptures in Exeter Cathedral, depicting him as St Martin and St Peter. He authored works including "Science and Religion," "Changing China," and "Difficulties and Duties."