George Bernard Cronshaw

George Bernard Cronshaw (1872–1928) was a Chaplain, Fellow and Bursar of The Queen's College Oxford University and later Principal of St Edmund Hall, Oxford. He was well known for his charitable works outside of university life holding governorships of several schools and his association with British hospitals especially the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford.

Early life

George was the second son of Rev. Christopher Cronshaw, Canon of Manchester Cathedral. Raised in Lancashire, which now includes parts of Greater Manchester, he attended Manchester Grammar School and went up to Queen's College, Oxford as a Berry exhibitioner where he graduated with a first class in Chemistry. Leaving Oxford, he attended Leeds Clergy School and was subsequently ordained into a curacy in Holbeck, Leeds.

Oxford career

George Cronshaw returned to Oxford in 1898 as Chaplain at his old college, Queen's whilst holding a curacy at St Cross Church, Holywell. He remained chaplain for thirty years during which time he strongly supported the college music society and choir. In 1900, resigned his curacy and was appointed lecturer in Chemistry, whereupon he organised the college chemistry laboratory in Queen's Lane. and in 1905 became Junior Bursar rising to Senior Bursar in 1912 at which time he relinquished all teaching responsibilities.

Outside of the college he was Junior Proctor for the University from 1909 to 1910 and served as a member of the Hebdomadal Council from 1911 until 1923. In addition, he acted as Visitor to the Museum, Acting Curator of the Schools and a member of the Boards of Natural History and Medicine. He was also chairman and secretary of the Committee of College Bursars. As treasurer of St Hugh's College, Oxford he oversaw their move to the current premises in Banbury Road It was observed that he would often cycle 10 or 20 miles out of Oxford on a Sunday to preach or take service in a county parish.