Andrew Perne facts for kids
Andrew Perne (born around 1519 – died 26 April 1589) was an important person at Cambridge University. He served as its Vice-Chancellor many times. He was also the Dean of Ely, a high-ranking church position. Andrew Perne was born in East Bilney, Norfolk.
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Andrew Perne's Life
Andrew Perne studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1539. Later, he earned advanced degrees in theology. In 1540, he became a fellow at St John's. Soon after, he moved to Queens' College.
His Career at Cambridge
At Queens' College, Perne took on many roles. He managed the college's money as bursar. He also served as dean. By 1551, he became the vice-president of Queens'. He was chosen to be the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University five times. This shows how respected he was.
Adapting to Changing Times
Andrew Perne lived during a time of big changes in England. The country's main religion kept changing. Perne was known for being very adaptable. He always followed the official religion of England at the time.
- In 1547, he supported Catholic ideas.
- Two months later, he changed his views. He became a strong Protestant during King Edward VI's rule. He even became a royal chaplain.
- When Queen Mary I came to power, England became Catholic again. Perne quickly adapted. He was made Master of Peterhouse in 1553. He also became Dean of Ely in 1557.
- When Queen Elizabeth I became queen, England became Protestant again. Perne supported the new Protestant rules. He tried to convince others to become Protestant.
People sometimes joked about his ability to change. A weathervane he gave to a church had his initials, AP. People said it swung between 'A Papist', 'A Protestant', and 'A Puritan'. This depended on which way the wind (or the government's religion) blew. Some people even called him "Old Andrew Turncoat."
Important Events
In 1557, Perne gave a sermon when the bodies of two Protestant leaders, Martin Bucer and Paul Fagius, were dug up and burned. This was because their beliefs were seen as wrong at the time. Amazingly, in 1560, he gave another sermon. This time, the earlier decision was reversed. The two men were officially cleared of any wrongdoing.
His Legacy
Andrew Perne died suddenly in 1589. He was on his way back to his room after dinner. He left most of his large library to Peterhouse College. He also left money to build a special place for the books. This is now known as the Perne Library at Peterhouse.
