Cosmo Lang
William Cosmo Gordon Lang, 1st Baron Lang of Lambeth, was a Scottish Anglican prelate who served as Archbishop of York and Archbishop of Canterbury.
Cosmo Gordon Lang
Religious Leader
October 31, 1864
Scorpio
December 05, 1945
81
Fyvie manse, Aberdeenshire, England
William Cosmo Gordon Lang, a Scottish Anglican prelate, held the position of Archbishop of Canterbury from 1928 to 1942. He is primarily remembered for his involvement in George VI’s coronation ceremony and Edward VIII’s abdication. A strong advocate for social justice, Lang also contributed to the founding of the Church of South India, participated in the National Council of Churches, and authored several religious books.
Lang played a crucial role in creating the Order of the Companions of Honour, an award given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the arts, science, and public service. Working alongside King George V, he helped develop the order’s criteria and select its first recipients. The Order of the Companions of Honour remains one of the highest honors granted by the British monarch.
An interesting aspect of Lang’s career is that he served as both Archbishop of York and Archbishop of Canterbury. His appointment to the position of Archbishop of York marked the fastest elevation in modern Church of England history.