Daniel Williams (theologian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daniel Copper Williams |
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| Religion | Christianity (Presbyterianism) |
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| Born | 1643 Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales |
| Died | 26 January 1716 Hoxton, London, England |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Ireland, England and Wales |
Daniel Williams (around 1643 – 26 January 1716) was an important British person. He was a minister, a theologian, and someone who gave a lot of money to good causes. He belonged to the Presbyterian church, which is a type of Christianity that was separate from the official Church of England.
Daniel Williams is most famous for what he left behind after he died. His legacy led to the creation of Dr Williams's Library. This library is a special place for studying the history of English Dissenters. These were Christians who chose not to follow the Church of England.
Early Life and Ministry
Daniel Williams was born in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales. He started preaching when he was only nineteen years old. We don't know much about his schooling. It likely ended early because he refused to follow the rules of the state church. This happened when King Charles II returned to the throne in England.
From 1664 to 1687, Daniel Williams worked as a minister in Ireland. He was invited to be a chaplain to a countess. He preached regularly in Drogheda and later in Dublin. He helped keep peace among different Christian groups there. He also worked to unite the Presbyterians with other Dissenting churches in Ireland.
Moving to London
In September 1687, Daniel Williams moved to London. This was because of new problems in Ireland. In London, he became a very important Dissenter. He made friends with famous ministers like Richard Baxter.
He was even asked twice to preach to the Lord Mayor of London. In 1688, King James II offered a "Declaration of Indulgence." This was a new rule that gave more freedom to Dissenters. However, Williams spoke out against thanking the King for it. He believed it would hurt the country's freedoms. He also thought it would cause problems with the Church of England.
Daniel Williams stayed in London for the rest of his life. He even advised King William III on matters concerning Ireland.
His Legacy and Death
Daniel Williams died in Hoxton, London, in 1716. He was buried in a place called Bunhill Fields. He left almost all of his money, which was a lot (about £50,000), to charity.
He left his large collection of books (7,600 volumes) and money to start a library. This library is now known as the Dr Williams's Library. It is located in Bloomsbury, London. The library has many books on religion, but also on philosophy, history, and literature. It is a great resource for people studying the history of Protestant nonconformists in England.
Daniel Williams also left money to help start seven charity schools in North Wales. He also provided scholarships for students to study at the University of Glasgow. These scholarships were for people who wanted to become ministers in the Nonconformist church.
