John Fountayne

John Fountayne (1714–1802) was a Church of England clergyman and the longest serving Dean of York.

He was raised at Melton Hall,[1] in High Melton, the family seat which he inherited upon the death of his elder brother in 1739 and which he immediately set about substantially rebuilding.

[3] Having served as prebendary of Salisbury Cathedral from his graduation, he was first appointed a Canon at St. George's Chapel, Windsor in 1741,[4] and was later preferred as Dean of York, a position which he held from 1747 to his death in February 1802.

[6] As a result of this marriage, the family name was changed to Fountayne-Wilson and later reverted to Montagu, following an inheritance.

His own memorial stands to the south of the altar, below which the Fountayne family vault is sealed.

Rev Dr Fountayne with his third wife, Ann, and their son Thomas. Portrait by Bernard Downes
Memorial to Fountayne and his second and third wives near the altar of St James' Church, High Melton. The inscription to John Fountayne can be seen alone at the base of the memorial.