Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 supplement/Ommanney, George Druce Wynne
OMMANNEY, GEORGE DRUCE WYNNE (1819–1902), theologian, born in Norfolk Street, Strand, on 12 April 1819, was younger brother of Sir Erasmus Ommanney [see above]. After education at Harrow (1831–8), where in 1838 he won the Robert Peel gold medal and the Lyon scholarship, he matriculated as scholar from Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1838; graduated B.A. as senior optime and second class classic in 1842; and proceeded M.A. in 1845. Taking holy orders in 1842, he was curate of Edwinstone, Nottinghamshire (1843–9); of Cameley, Somerset (1849–52); of Oldbourne, Wilts (1852–3); of Woodborough, Wilts (1853–8); vicar of Queen Charlton, near Bristol (1858–62); curate in charge of Whitchurch, Somerset (1862–75); and vicar of Draycot, Somerset (1875–88). He was made prebendary of Whitchurch in Wells Cathedral in 1884. He died on 20 April 1902 at 29 Beaumont Street, Oxford, where he had lived in retirement since 1888, and was buried at St. Sepulchre's cemetery, Oxford. He married Ellen Ricketts of Brislington, Bristol, and had no issue.
Ommanney was a voluminous and lucid writer on the Athanasian creed, to which he devoted a large portion of his later life, studying Arabic and visiting the chief European libraries for purposes of research. He was a vigorous champion of the retention of the creed in the church of England services. He supported its claims to authenticity against the critics who ascribed its composition to the eighth and ninth centuries. His published works include:
- 'The Athanasian Creed: Examination of Recent Theories respecting its Date and Origin,' 1875; new edit. 1880.
- 'Early History of the Athanasian Creed,' 1880.
- 'The S.P.C.K. and the Creed of St. Athanasius,' 1884.
- 'Critical Dissertation on the Athanasian Creed, its Original Language, Date, Authorship, Titles, Text, Reception, and Use,' 1897.
[The Times, 22 April 1902; Guardian, 23 April 1902; Crockford's Clerical Directory, 1902; private information.]