James Chadwick

James Chadwick (24 April 1813 at Drogheda, Ireland – 14 May 1882 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and buried at Ushaw) was an Anglo-Irish Roman Catholic priest, and second Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. He is famous for writing the lyrics of the song Angels We Have Heard on High. Early life and Ireland James Chadwick was the third son of a gentleman of an old Catholic Lancashire family, John Chadwick, who had settled in Ireland, and his wife, an Irish lady named Frances Dromgoole. His father was fined and imprisoned for siding with Prince Charles in 1745. His mother was from a Catholic family that suffered persecution. His great-uncle was John Chadwick, vicar-general to William Walton, Vicar Apostolic of the Northern District from 1775 to 1780. The Chadwick's of Drogheda were a prosperous family, owning a substantial flax mill and linen manufacturing business and were one of the largest employers in the town. They owned several large linen mills in Drogheda and resided in large country homes in Mornington outside the town. The Chadwick's played an active role in the community as both major employers and as sponsors of the local catholic church. They funded the building of the new Augustinian Church, in Drogheda. Chadwick would retain close ties with his family throughout his life officiating at his niece's wedding in Mornington Church. Career Chadwick was educated at Ushaw College from May, 1825, until his ordination as priest on 17 December 1836. He then was general prefect at the college for three years, after which he taught humanities until he was appointed professor of philosophy, a post he occupied for five years.