Anthony Parkinson facts for kids
Anthony Parkinson (born 1667 – died January 30, 1728) was an English Franciscan friar and a historian. He wrote important books about the history of his religious order.
Life Story
Anthony Parkinson was born in England. When he was young, he moved to another country in Europe. There, he joined the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscans. At that time, this religious group was not allowed in England.
In 1692, he became a professor of philosophy at the Franciscan community in Douai. The next year, he was allowed to preach and hear confessions.
In 1695, Parkinson returned to England. He wanted to help the Catholic people there. He held several important roles within the Franciscan order in England:
- He was the leader of the friars in Warwick from 1698 to 1701.
- He led the friars in Birmingham from 1701 to 1710.
- He was a Definitor (a kind of advisor) for the English province from 1707 to 1710.
- He also served as the leader (called a custos) for the friars in Worcester from 1704 to 1707.
- He was the leader for the friars in Oxford from 1710 to 1713.
Later, he became the main leader, called Minister Provincial, for the English Franciscans. He held this role from 1713 to 1716, and again from 1722 to 1725. As Minister Provincial, he attended a big meeting of the Franciscan Order in Rome in May 1723.
His Main Work
Anthony Parkinson's most important book is called Collectanea Anglo-Minoritica, or a Collection of the Antiquities of the English Franciscans, or Friars Minors, commonly called Gray Friars. This book has two parts and an extra section about the English Poor Clares, another religious group. It was published in London in 1726. This book is a valuable record of the history of the Franciscans in England. He also left behind some writings that were never published.
Parkinson passed away in England on January 30, 1728.
