James Endell Tyler

The Rev James Endell Tyler B.D. (30 Jan. 1789–5 Oct. 1851) was an Anglican minister, historian, theologian, residentiary canon of St Paul's Cathedral and Rector of St Giles in the Fields church.

Early life and education

Tyler was born in Monmouth in the Welsh Marches on 30 Jan. 1789, was the son of a solicitor named James Tyler. Educated at Monmouth Grammar School he later attended Oriel College Oxford where he was elected Michel scholar at Queen's College while an undergraduate. In 1812, he obtained a fellowship at Oriel and graduated M.A. on 9 Jan. 1813 and B.D. on 17 Dec. 1823 while from 1818 to 1826 he filled the office of tutor at the college. During his time as a tutor at Oriel he held the perpetual curacy of Moreton Pinkney in Northamptonshire.

Career

While at Oriel, Tyler appears to have come into conflict with the followers of John Henry Newman in their efforts to reorder college life. As Vice-Provost he was perceived by some as protecting and even favouring 'young men of family' and defending the tradition of the Gentleman-Commoner in opposition to the efforts of Newman and Thomas Mozeley who were pushing for their model of a 'catholic ethos' for the college. Tyler was apparently perceived by Newman and his followers of being insufficiently decided on the Catholic Question. Indeed Newman, at the time, coined the expression to 'Tylerise' which he suggested meant to stand on two sides of a controverted question at once. It was also was suggested at the time, by Newman's ally Mozeley, that Tyler 'had cared for gold tufts and silk gowns more than for the college generally' and that his 'especial fondness was reserved for the Gentlemen Commoners'. Newman, for his part, was accused by some of attempting to turn Oriel 'into a seminary'. Despite this disagreement, Tyler would go on to be remembered at Oriel College with great popularity and fondness.