Edmund Bunny facts for kids

Edmund Bunny (born 1540, died 1619) was an important church leader in England. He was part of the Anglican Church and followed the ideas of John Calvin, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Bunny spent his life teaching and writing about Christian beliefs.

Early Life and Education

Edmund Bunny was born in 1540 at a place called the Vache, near Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire. His father, Richard Bunny, was a public servant who worked for Henry VIII and Edward VI, who were English kings. Richard Bunny faced difficulties because he was a Protestant during the reign of Queen Mary, who was Catholic. Later, Queen Elizabeth helped his father.

When Edmund was 16, he went to Oxford University. He studied hard and became a fellow at Magdalen College. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, so he sent him to study law. However, Edmund decided he wanted to become a churchman instead. Because of this choice, his father disinherited him, meaning he gave his inheritance to Edmund's younger brother, Richard.

Church Career

In 1564, Edmund Bunny became a church official at St Paul's Cathedral in London. He then returned to Oxford and continued his studies, becoming a fellow at Merton College. This was unusual, but Merton College needed someone who could preach well, and Bunny was known for his ability to speak without notes.

In 1570, he became a chaplain to Edmund Grindal, who was the archbishop of York. An archbishop is a very high-ranking church leader. Bunny was made a subdean of York, which is another important church position, and was also given a church called Bolton Percy. He held this church for 25 years.

Edmund Bunny was a very active preacher. He traveled across most parts of England, visiting towns and villages. He was like an evangelist, someone who travels to spread religious messages. He had two servants who rode with him on horseback.

Later Life and Legacy

Edmund Bunny died in 1619 in Cawood, Yorkshire. He was buried in York Minster, a famous cathedral, where there is a monument with a statue to remember him.

His Writings

Edmund Bunny wrote several books and pamphlets about Christian religion and church matters. Here are some of his notable works:

• The Whole Summe of Christian Religion (1576): This book explained Christian religion in two ways. One part was for learned people, and the other was simpler for everyone else.
• Institutionis Christianae Religionis, a Jo. Calvino conscriptae, compendium (1576): This was a shorter version of John Calvin's important book, Institution of the Christian Religion.
• A Book of Christian Exercise, appertaining to Resolution (1584): This book was partly based on a work by Robert Parsons, a Jesuit priest. Bunny made changes to it. Parsons later published his own version, disagreeing with Bunny's changes. Bunny then wrote A briefe Answer (1589) to defend his work.
• Certaine Prayers and Godly Exercises (1585): This book included prayers and exercises for November 17th, a day to celebrate the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
• The Coronation of David (1588): This book used the story of King David from the Bible to talk about the troubles faced by people who followed the gospel.
• Of Divorce for adulterie and Marrying againe (1610): This book discussed the topic of divorce and remarriage.