Born in Mildenhall, Wiltshire to Rev Joseph Lavington and his wife Elizabeth née Constable, he was educated at New College, Oxford (becoming a fellow in 1708) and later appointed Chaplain to King George I.

One of these pamphlets contained an accusation against Wesley concerning his conduct with women, and in particular that he had made indecent advances to the maid of a Mrs Morgan at Mitchell in Cornwall.

A reconciliation took place between the Bishop and John Wesley when they had dinner together on 29 August 1762 after receiving the Sacrament together in Exeter Cathedral.

An epitaph by Subdean Barton is on a tablet behind the sedilia in the south aisle of Exeter Cathedral, describing him as a pattern for Christian bishops.

29 Nov 1763 Exeter Cathedral) of Corfe Mullen, Dorset, on 20 June 1722 at St Benet's Church, London and had at least 3 children by her: Lavington, who had met Richard, Earl of Ranelagh prior to 1714 when he was serving at St. Paul's, was appointed one of the beneficiaries of his will.