Charles Wheatly facts for kids
Charles Wheatly (born 1686, died 1742) was an English clergyman. He is best known for his writings about the Book of Common Prayer, which is an important book of services and prayers used by the Church of England.
A Look at Charles Wheatly's Life
Charles Wheatly was born on February 6, 1686, in London. His father, John Wheatly, was a tradesman. His mother's family had a connection to Sir Thomas White, a famous merchant.
Charles went to Merchant Taylors' School starting in 1699. Later, he studied at St John's College, Oxford, from 1705. He became a Fellow there in 1707. He earned his first degree in 1710 and his master's degree in 1713. He left his fellowship that same year.
In 1717, Charles became a lecturer at St Mildred-in-the-Poultry church. In 1725, he also became a lecturer at St Swithin, Londonstone. A lecturer in a church would often give sermons and teach about religious topics.
In 1726, he became the vicar of two churches in Hertfordshire: Brent Pelham and Furneaux Pelham. A vicar is a type of priest in charge of a church parish. Charles Wheatly passed away at Furneaux Pelham on May 13, 1742, and was buried in the local church.
Charles Wheatly's Writings
Charles Wheatly's most important book was A Rational Illustration of the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England. This book helped explain the Book of Common Prayer, which contains the prayers and services used in the Church of England.
The first edition of his main work came out in 1710. It was called The Church of England man's companion. Later editions, starting from 1722, used the more famous title. This book was very popular and was reprinted many times, even after Charles Wheatly died.
One interesting change in later editions was due to the Calendar Act of 1750. This act changed how dates were counted in England, and the book was updated to reflect these changes.
Besides his main work, Charles Wheatly also wrote other books:
- 'Bidding of Prayers before Sermon no mark of Disaffection to the present Government' (1718).
- 'The Nicene and Athanasian Creeds ... explained and confirmed by the Holy Scriptures' (1738). This book explained important Christian beliefs.
- 'Fifty Sermons on Several Subjects, and Occasions' (1753). This was a collection of his sermons, published after he died by John Berriman.
His Family Life
Charles Wheatly was married two times. His first wife was Maria Findall. They married on August 16, 1713, and Maria passed away on December 10, 1724. She was the daughter of William Findall, who worked at the Clarendon Press, a famous printing house.
His second wife was Mary Fogg. She was the daughter of Daniel Fogg, who was a rector (another type of priest) at All Hallows Staining church. Mary survived Charles after he passed away.
