Talbot , James Robert , 1726-1790 , Vicar Apostolic of London

James Robert Talbot (1726-1790) was the brother of the fourteenth Earl of Shrewsbury, and is chiefly known for having been the last priest to be indicted in the public courts for saying Mass. In 1759, he was consecrated coadjutor bishop to Dr. Challoner, and during his episcopate was twice brought to trial, in 1769 and 1771 respectively. In each case he was acquitted for want of evidence. On the death of Bishop Challoner in 1781, Bishop James Talbot became Vicar Apostolic of the London District, which he ruled until his death 9 years later. He lived a retired life at Hammersmith, his chief work during these years being the completion of the purchase of a property at Old Hall, Hertfordshire, where he had a preparatory academy which afterwards developed into St Edmund's College. The penal law against Catholic schools still existed, and Bishop Talbot was again threatened with imprisonment; but he contrived to evade punishment. Talbot died at Hammersmith in 1790.