Erasmus Saunders (priest, died 1724) facts for kids

Erasmus Saunders (born 1670 – died 1 June 1724) was a Welsh priest and writer. He is known for his work in the church and for helping to set up a school.

Early Life and Education

Erasmus Saunders was born in a place called Clydey in Pembrokeshire, Wales. He went to Jesus College, Oxford, a famous university. He started studying there in 1690. Over the years, he earned several degrees, showing he was a dedicated student.

While he was still at university, he helped a scholar named Edward Lhuyd. Saunders assisted him in finding old historical information about Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This shows his early interest in history and learning.

A Career in the Church

Saunders became a priest in the Church of England. He worked closely with Bishop William Lloyd. Bishop Lloyd was a well-known religious leader at the time.

In 1702, Saunders became a curate at the church in Blockley. A curate is a priest who helps the main priest of a church. He later became the main priest, or vicar, of that church in 1705.

He also became a rector in Helmdon, Northamptonshire, in 1706. A rector is another type of church leader. He held this job until 1721, even when he wasn't living there. In 1709, another bishop, George Bull, made him a Prebendary at the church in Brecon. This was an important position in the church.

Helping His Community

Erasmus Saunders was known as a very active priest in Blockley. He cared a lot about his community.

One of his important achievements was helping to start a school in 1713. He worked with local wealthy people to make this happen. The school had a special message in Welsh: Aros a Llwydda, which means "Stay and Prosper."

Saunders also supported the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge. This group worked to spread Christian teachings and knowledge. He even bought fifty copies of their Welsh Bible to help them publish more. He also wrote and published his own sermons. In 1721, he wrote a book called A View of the State of Religion in the Diocese of S. Davids. In this book, he wrote about what he saw as the "melancholy state" of the church in that area.

Later Life and Legacy

Erasmus Saunders got married in 1714 and had seven children. He passed away in 1724 at Aberbechan. He was buried in St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury. There is a special tomb there to remember him.

His oldest son also put up a memorial tablet in the church at Blockley. This tablet shows his family's coat of arms, a special symbol for his family.