Ambrose Barnes facts for kids

Ambrose Barnes (1627–1710) was an important English leader from the 17th century. He was a Nonconformist, meaning he was a Protestant who did not follow the official Church of England. He also served as an Alderman in the city of Newcastle.

Ambrose Barnes: Early Life and Career

Ambrose Barnes was born in 1627 in Startforth, Yorkshire. His father, Thomas Barnes, was a well-known Puritan. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler.

When Ambrose was 19, in 1646, he began learning to be a merchant in Newcastle. He was very good at business. By 1654, he became a full merchant adventurer. This meant he was part of a group of merchants who traded goods. In 1658, he became an alderman of Newcastle. An alderman was an important local official in the city government.

Barnes's Support for Nonconformists

Ambrose Barnes was a Puritan from a young age. He worked hard to help other Nonconformists in northern England. This was during the time of King Charles II, when Nonconformists faced difficulties. Barnes was even put in Tynemouth Castle for a while. His crime was holding prayer meetings in his own home.

Barnes had many important friends. These included Richard Gilpin, Simeon Ashe, Edmund Calamy, and Joseph Caryll. He also often met Richard Baxter, another famous Nonconformist, in London. Ambrose Barnes passed away on March 23, 1710.

Ambrose Barnes: His Writings

Ambrose Barnes wrote several books. These included a book called Breviate of the Four Monarchies. He also wrote An Inquiry into the Nature, Grounds, and Reasons of Religion. Another work was A Censure upon the Times and Age he lived in.

These writings showed how much Barnes had learned. For a long time, only parts of his works were published. The original handwritten copies were kept in the library of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle.

Publishing Barnes's Works

Later, in 1828, Barnes's writings and life story were printed in a shorter form. This was done by the Newcastle Typographical Society. Then, in 1867, a more complete version was published. This was by the Surtees Society, led by W. H. D. Longstaffe.

The book about Barnes's life showed he was a very independent person. People from all different groups respected him. He did not like King Charles II. Barnes met the king in London when he was trying to protect Newcastle's city rights. However, he showed some respect for King James II.

Ambrose Barnes: His Family

Ambrose Barnes married Mary Butler in 1655. They had seven children together. His oldest son, Joseph, was the recorder of Newcastle from 1687 to 1711. A recorder was a legal officer in the city. His son Thomas became the minister of an independent church congregation. He served from 1698 until he died in 1731.