Bartholomew Westley facts for kids

Bartholomew Westley (born 1596, died 1680) was an English minister. He was known as an 'ejected minister' because he was forced to leave his church job. This happened during a time when many ministers had to leave their churches.

Who Was Bartholomew Westley?

Bartholomew Westley was born in 1596. His father was Sir Herbert Westley from Devon, England. His mother was Elizabeth de Wellesley from Ireland. Bartholomew studied many subjects at Oxford University. He learned about physics, medicine, and theology (the study of religion).

He lived in a town called Bridport for a while. He often preached, which means he gave religious talks. The special stand he used for preaching, called a pulpit, is still kept safe today. You can find it in a school-room in Bridport.

Why Was He an Ejected Minister?

Bartholomew Westley worked as a rector (a type of minister) in two churches. These were in Charmouth (from 1640) and Catherston (from 1650). Both of these towns are in Dorset, England.

In 1662, a new law was passed. This law meant that ministers who did not agree with the official Church of England had to leave their churches. Bartholomew Westley was one of these ministers. He was 'ejected' from both his church jobs.

After being ejected, he became a Nonconformist. This means he continued to practice his religion in a way that was not part of the official church. He kept preaching in the West Dorset area. He also used his knowledge of medicine to help people.

Later Life and Legacy

Bartholomew Westley lived in Charmouth for some time. However, he was forced to leave because of another law called the Five Mile Act. This law stopped ejected ministers from living near towns or places where they used to preach.

Some people called him a "fanatic" or a "puny parson." This was partly because he was a small man. He spent his last years living quietly in Lyme Regis. He passed away there in 1680, when he was about 85 years old. He was buried in Lyme Regis on February 15, 1680.

His Family

In 1619, Bartholomew Westley married Anne. Her father was Sir Henry Colley from Ireland. Anne's grandmother was Adam Loftus, who was an important religious leader in Ireland.

Bartholomew and Anne had one son. His name was Rev. John Westley. Like his father, John also became an ejected minister.