William Sinclair (archdeacon of London)
William Macdonald Sinclair FRGS (1850–1917) was a British Anglican clergyman and writer who served as Archdeacon of London.
He was born on 3 June 1850 into an ecclesiastical family. His father was the Reverend William Sinclair, Prebendary of Chichester, and he was the fifth son of Sir John Sinclair, 1st Baronet. He studied at Repton School and Balliol College, Oxford, and was ordained in 1876.
Sinclair's first posting was as assistant minister at the Quebec Chapel, Marylebone, followed by service as resident chaplain to the Bishop of London. In 1880 he became vicar of St Stephen's, Westminster, and in 1889 he was appointed Archdeacon of London.
From 1892 to 1901 he edited the Churchman newspaper, taking over from Walter Purton and later being succeeded by Augustus Robert Buckland.
He was elected to the London School Board in 1885, representing Westminster Division. In military chaplaincy, he served as acting chaplain to the 21st Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps from 31 January 1900. When the Territorial Force was formed on 1 April 1908, he was a fourth-class chaplain (ranked as a captain). He became chaplain to the City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders) in 1910, with the rank of Third Class Chaplain (ranked as a Major).
His last clerical post was as rector of Shermanbury from 1911 to 1915. He was also an Honorary Chaplain to the King. He died on 4 December 1917.
Sinclair was a keen Freemason and, in 1894, was appointed Grand Chaplain in the United Grand Lodge of England. He published several works.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:55 (CET).