Benjamin Lany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Benjamin Lany FRS |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Ely | |
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| Diocese | Diocese of Ely |
| In Office | 1667–1675 |
| Predecessor | Peter Gunning |
| Successor | Matthew Wren |
| Other posts | Bishop of Peterborough (1660–1663) Bishop of Lincoln (1663–1667) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1591 Ipswich |
| Died | 24 January 1675 (aged 84) |
| Buried | Ely Cathedral |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Alma mater | Christ's College, Cambridge |
Benjamin Lany (born January 1, 1591 – died January 24, 1675), also spelled Laney, was an important English academic and church leader. He became a bishop, which is a high-ranking position in the Christian church. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for important scientists and thinkers.
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Early Life and Education
Benjamin Lany was born in Ipswich, England. He started studying at Christ's College, Cambridge in 1608. He worked hard and earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Divinity. In 1616, he became a Fellow at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, which meant he was a senior member of the college.
Career Before the Civil War
Benjamin Lany became a priest on February 21, 1619. He worked in several churches, including in Madingley, Hambledon, and Buriton. He also served as a Chaplain (a minister who works for someone important) to the Bishop of Winchester starting in 1628.
In 1630, he became the head of Pembroke College, Cambridge. He was also chosen to be the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in 1632. This was a very important job, overseeing the whole university.
During the English Civil War
The English Civil War was a big conflict in England between those who supported the King and those who supported Parliament. Benjamin Lany was a strong supporter of the King, known as a royalist. He also followed traditional church practices, which was called being a "high churchman."
Because of his beliefs, he faced a lot of trouble from the Puritans, who supported Parliament and wanted simpler church services. He was accused of supporting ideas that the Puritans disagreed with. In 1643, he lost all his church positions and his role at Cambridge University. He had to leave England and went into exile with the future King Charles II of England.
Career After the Civil War
After the war ended and the King returned to power in 1660 (this was called the English Restoration), Benjamin Lany's career took off again. He became the Dean of Rochester, a senior church leader, in August 1660.
Later that year, he became the Bishop of Peterborough. A bishop is a very important leader in the church, overseeing many churches in a specific area. He was officially made a bishop on December 2, 1660.
He then became the Bishop of Lincoln in 1663. Finally, in 1667, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Ely, another very important church role.
In 1666, Benjamin Lany also became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This was a special group for people who made important discoveries in science and learning.
