GILPIN, girpin, BERNARD ( 1517-83). An English clergyman, known as the 'Apostle of the North.' He was born at Kentmere, Westmoreland. He studied at Queen's College, Oxford. Soon after graduation he was chosen fellow of his college, and took orders in 1542. On the opening of the new foundation of Christ Church, Wolsey made him one of the head masters. At that time the university was divided on the subject of the Reformation. Gilpin at first took ground against it, but later embraced it. In 1552 he became Vicar of Norton, and was licensed by Edward VI. as a 'general preacher.' He soon resigned his benefice, however, and went abroad and lived at Louvain and Paris. Returning to England during Queen Mary's reign, he found the persecu tion of the Protestants still in progress. His uncle, Bishop Tunstall, of Durham, gave him the living of Easington and the archdeaconry of Durham, later the rectory of Houghton-le-Spring; protecting him also, notwithstanding his open avowal of Protestant opinions. He devoted him self to the diligent prosecution of his parish work and to itinerant labors through the country. Queen Elizabeth offered him the Bishopric of Carlisle, which he declined. He continued until
his death rector of Houghton, residing constantly in his parish except when he visited the ruder parts of the county of Northumberland. The people in certain districts had long led a lawless life, subsisting mostly on plunder. Gilpin went fearlessly among them, and did much to change the character of the country. His chief labors, however, were in his own parish of Houghton, which included fourteen villages. He was a bachelor, and in hospitality resembled the char acter ascribed to the primitive bishops. Every fortnight 40 bushels of corn, 20 bushels of malt, and a whole ox were consumed in his house, besides ample supplies of many other kinds. He maintained an open table for his people every Sunday from Michaelmas to Easter. The rectory house was also open to all travelers, and so great was the reverence which surrounded him that his liberality was rarely abused. He died at Hough ton-le-Spring March 4, 1583. Consult his life by Carleton (London, 1629) ; also the life by Col lingwood (London, 1884). Four of his sermons were reprinted (Houghton-le-Spring, 1835).