Page "Laurence Sterne" Paragraph 3

Sterne seems to have been destined to become a clergyman, and was ordained as a deacon in March 1737 and as a priest in August, 1738.

Shortly thereafter Sterne was awarded the vicarship living of Sutton-on-the-Forest in Yorkshire ( 1713 – 1768 ).

Sterne married Elizabeth Lumley in 1741.

Both were ill with consumption.

In 1743, he was presented to the neighbouring living of Stillington by Rev.

Richard Levett, Prebendary of Stillington, who was patron of the living.

Subsequently Sterne did duty both there and at Sutton.

He was also a prebendary of York Minster.

Sterne ’ s life at this time was closely tied with his uncle, Dr. Jaques Sterne, the Archdeacon of Cleveland and Precentor of York Minster.

Sterne ’ s uncle was an ardent Whig, and urged Sterne to begin a career of political journalism which resulted in some scandal for Sterne and, eventually, a terminal falling-out between the two men.