| Description | In 1828, Gradwell was consecrated Bishop of Lydda, as coadjutor to Bishop Bramston, the vicar Apostolic of the London district, and he came to London soon afterwards to take up his new duties. His engaging personality soon endeared him to both clergy and people. Had he lived longer, he might have been one of the most eminent of English bishops, but unfortunately his constitution, was unable to withstand the rigours of the English climate. After some years of ill-health, he died of dropsy. His writings include: "A dissertation of the Fable of Papal Antichrists" (London, 1816); "A Winter Evening Dialogue . . . or, Thoughts on the Rule of Faith" (London, 1816); and various journals, letters, and manuscripts in connexion with his residence in Rome; his notes on the old archives of the English College there are some of historical interest; all are in the Westminster Archdiocesan Archives. |