author
George Croly
1780–1860
A Dublin-born clergyman who turned sermons, history, and fiction into a lively literary career, he is best remembered today for the hymn "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart." His life moved between Ireland and London, where he became a well-known Anglican priest as well as a prolific man of letters.
1 Audiobook
Tarry thou till I come; or, Salathiel, the wandering Jew.
by George Croly
About the author
Born in Dublin on August 17, 1780, George Croly was educated at Trinity College Dublin and was ordained in the Church of Ireland in 1804. After serving an early curacy in northern Ireland, he moved to London around 1810 and built a reputation through preaching and literary work.
Croly wrote across an unusually wide range of genres. He was a poet, novelist, historian, and religious writer, and his output helped make him a recognizable figure in 19th-century literary life. Modern readers are most likely to know him for the hymn Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart, which has kept his name alive far beyond his own era.
Alongside his writing, he served as an Anglican clergyman and from 1835 until his death was rector of St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London. He died in London on November 24, 1860, leaving behind the record of a writer who moved comfortably between the pulpit and the printed page.