Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Calderbank, James
CALDERBANK, JAMES (1769–1821), Benedictine monk, was born in the later part of 1769 in Lancashire. On attaining the canonical age he was ordained to the priesthood. He was first sent upon the mission by the vicar-apostolic of the western district, Bishop Sharrock, the congregation then entrusted to his charge being that of Weston in Somersetshire. Thence, in October 1809, he was removed to the neighbouring mission at Bath, where, as the assistant-priest of Father Ralph Ainsworth, he took part in the religious ceremonial which transformed the old theatre on the South Parade into the catholic church of St. John the Evangelist. Upon the death of Father Ainsworth, on 5 Feb. 1814, Calderbank succeeded him as the chief pastor of the congregation. During the course of the same year he published 'A Series of Letters' (8vo, pp. 236), marked by great perspicuity and moderation, in answer to certain questions proposed by a clergyman of the church of England. He remained at Bath until July 1817, when he was succeeded by Peter Augustine Baines [q. v.] Calderbank on giving up the Bath mission withdrew to Liverpool. He died there on 9 April 1821.
[Liverpool Mercury, 13 April 1821, p. 343 Dr. Oliver's Collections illustrating the History of the Catholic Religion in Cornwall, &c. pp. 68, 179,258,508-9.]