Edmund Boldero facts for kids

Edmund Boldero (born 1608, died 1679) was an English clergyman and a scholar who supported the king during a time of change in England. He became the leader, or Master, of Jesus College, Cambridge in 1663.

Edmund Boldero's Early Life and Education

Edmund Boldero grew up in Bury St. Edmunds in a county called Suffolk. He went to school at Ipswich School. Later, he studied at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, which is part of Cambridge University.

He started his studies there in 1626. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1629. Then, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1632. He also became a fellow at Pembroke Hall in 1631, which meant he was a senior member of the college.

Challenges During the English Civil War

In 1643, Edmund Boldero became a curate, a type of assistant priest, at St. Lawrence church in Ipswich. England was going through a very difficult time, known as the English Civil War. After the king's side lost and a new government called the Commonwealth was set up, Boldero faced problems.

Because he supported the king, he was removed from his position at Pembroke Hall. He was even sent to London as a prisoner and held there for a long time. Later, he traveled to Scotland and was with a famous leader named the Marquis of Montrose, who also supported the king.

Return to Cambridge and Leadership

When the king returned to power in England, an event called the English Restoration, things changed for Edmund Boldero. He received a special Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree from Cambridge University.

A powerful church leader named Matthew Wren, who was the Bishop of Ely, helped him. Boldero worked as Wren's chaplain, a kind of personal assistant. Wren gave him important jobs as a rector (a head priest) in several churches in Suffolk, including Glemsford, Westerfield, and Harkstead.

In 1663, Bishop Wren chose Edmund Boldero to become the Master of Jesus College, Cambridge. This was a very important role, making him the head of the college. He also became the rector of Snailwell in Cambridgeshire that same year.

Vice-Chancellor and Later Years

Edmund Boldero took on even more responsibility at Cambridge University. He served as the Vice-Chancellor in 1668 and again in 1674. The Vice-Chancellor is like the main leader of the entire university.

During his time as Vice-Chancellor, he made some important decisions about what students could study and discuss. For example, in 1668, he stopped students from using the ideas of a philosopher named Descartes in their debates. He also suspended a student named Daniel Scargill for discussing ideas from another philosopher, Hobbism, which were considered controversial at the time.

Edmund Boldero passed away in Cambridge on July 5, 1679. He was buried in the chapel at Jesus College, Cambridge.