James Yorke

James Yorke (9 March 1730 – 26 August 1808) was a British clergyman who held various ecclesiastical positions throughout his lifetime. He was the son of Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke, and Margaret Cocks. Yorke received his early education at Newcome's School and later attended Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he obtained his M.A. in 1752 and his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1770.

Yorke's clerical career commenced with his appointment as Rector of Great Horkesley, Essex, from 1754 to 1756. In 1756, he was appointed Canon of the tenth stall at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, a position he held until 1762. Subsequently, he served as Dean of Lincoln from 1762 to 1781. During this period, he held multiple bishoprics: Bishop of St David's from 1774 to 1779, Bishop of Gloucester from 1779 to 1781, and Bishop of Ely from 1781 until his death in 1808.

In 1793, Yorke sought statutory powers to sell the bishop's palace and grounds located in Wisbech. Legislation was passed allowing the sale, despite opposition from Sir James Ayre, who was the son-in-law of Henry Southwell of Bank House, Wisbech, and part of a family that held tenancy of the castle. The property was sold in that year to Joseph Medworth.

Yorke married Mary Maddox on 29 June 1762. Mary was the daughter of Isaac Maddox, Bishop of Worcester. The couple had several children, including Joseph Yorke (1765–1830), who married Catherine Cocks, niece of Charles Cocks, 1st Baron Somers, and became father of Joseph Yorke, a politician; and Reverend Philip Yorke (1770–1817), who married Hon. Anna Maria Cocks, daughter of the 1st Baron Somers, and was father to Philip James Yorke, a soldier and scientist.

James Yorke was buried at Forthampton, Gloucestershire. His memorial was designed by Robert Blore of Piccadilly.