Francis Gregory (divine) facts for kids

Francis Gregory (born around 1625, died 1707) was an English teacher and a religious leader. He was known for his schools and his writings.

Early Life of Francis Gregory

Francis Gregory was born around 1625 in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. He went to Westminster School, a famous school, where his teacher, Richard Busby, was like a father to him. In 1641, he earned a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge. He finished his studies there in 1648. After college, he went back to Westminster School to work as an usher, which is like an assistant teacher. Later, he became the headmaster of the grammar school in Woodstock.

Teaching and Royal Service

Francis Gregory was a very successful teacher. Many of his students came from important noble families. He was a strong supporter of the King (a "royalist"). When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, an event called the Restoration, Gregory was chosen to give a special sermon. He gave this sermon at St. Mary's, Oxford on May 27, 1660. He later published it as 'David's Return from Banishment.' He also published a book of English and Latin poems called 'Votivum Carolo.' These poems were written by him and his students to welcome King Charles II.

New Schools and Church Work

Soon after, Gregory became the headmaster of a new school in Witney, Oxfordshire. In 1661, he received a special degree, Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), from Oxford University. He was also appointed as a chaplain to the King, which meant he was a religious advisor to the royal family. In 1671, he became the priest for the church in Hambleden, Buckinghamshire. He stayed in this role until he died in 1707. He was buried in the church, and a memorial was placed there to remember him.

Francis Gregory's Published Works

Francis Gregory wrote several books, mainly for use in schools or about religious topics. He created a Greek-Latin dictionary called 'Έτυμολογικòν μικρòν' in 1654. He also wrote 'Instructions concerning the Art of Oratory' in 1659, which taught students how to give good speeches. Another popular book was 'Όνομαστικὸν βραχύ,' published in 1675. This was a vocabulary book that helped students learn English, Latin, and Greek words. It was so popular that it had thirteen editions by 1695. These school books were often used at Westminster School.

Religious Writings and Sermons

Gregory also wrote books about his religious beliefs. These included 'The Triall of Religions' (1674) and 'The Grand Presumption of the Romish Church' (1675). He also wrote 'The Doctrine of the Glorious Trinity' in 1695. Besides books, he published several of his sermons. For example, 'Tears and Blood' (1660) and 'The Religious Villain' (1679). He mentioned that his sermon 'The Religious Villain' was printed because "the inarticulate noise of many through catarrhs and coughs" made it hard for people to hear him speak!