William Connor Magee was a distinguished Irish Anglican clergyman and theologian of the 19th century. Born in Cork, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks, serving as Dean of Cork and later as Bishop of Peterborough. His eloquence and powerful preaching earned him a significant reputation, culminating in his appointment as Archbishop of York shortly before his death. Magee is famously remembered for his assertion that he would rather see England free than sober, a statement reflecting his complex views on personal liberty and state intervention.