Francis Mansell facts for kids
Francis Mansell was an important leader at Jesus College, Oxford. He was the Principal of the college three times. His first time was from 1620 to 1621. Then he served from 1630 to 1648. During this time, he was removed from his job. This happened because of a visit from Parliament during the English Civil War. He became Principal again briefly from 1660 to 1661.
Francis Mansell was born on March 23, 1579. He lived at Jesus College until he died on May 1, 1665. He had studied there when he was younger. He also left all his belongings to the college when he passed away.
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Early Life and Education
Francis Mansell was born in a place called Muddlescombe. This area is in Carmarthenshire, Wales. He was the third son of Sir Francis Mansel. His father was the first of the Mansel baronets. His mother was Catherine Morgan.
He went to school at the Free School in Hereford. After that, he studied at Jesus College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1611. Later, in 1624, he became a Doctor of Divinity. This is a high academic degree.
Becoming Principal
In 1620, Francis Mansell was chosen to be the Principal of Jesus College. But many people did not agree with this choice. So, he decided to step down a year later. He waited for a better chance to lead the college.
His chance came in 1630. The previous Principal, Eubele Thelwall, had passed away. This time, Mansell's re-election was much smoother. Everyone seemed to agree with his return.
Role During the Civil War
The English Civil War was a big conflict in England. It took place between 1642 and 1651. It was fought between supporters of the King (Royalists) and supporters of Parliament. Francis Mansell was a strong supporter of the King. He tried to gather Welsh soldiers to fight for the Royalist side.
Because of his support for the King, he was removed from his position in 1648. This happened during a special visit from Parliament to the university. After this, he moved to Glamorgan, Wales. His student and future successor, Leoline Jenkins, also went with him.
Seeking Refuge
Francis Mansell and Leoline Jenkins found safety at the home of Sir John Aubrey. This house was in a place called Llantrithyd. Another important person, Gilbert Sheldon, also stayed there. Sheldon later became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Mansell and Jenkins stayed at the house until 1651. Then, Parliament forced Jenkins to leave. They said he was running a "seditious academy." This was actually a private school for boys. After this, both Mansell and Jenkins returned to Oxford.
Return to Oxford and Later Years
Even though he had been removed from his job, Francis Mansell was highly respected. Because of this, he was given rooms back in his old college. He was allowed to live there peacefully.
When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, it was called the Restoration of Charles II. Mansell briefly became Principal again. But his eyesight was failing, so he resigned a year later. He chose Leoline Jenkins to take over as Principal.
There is a story that Francis Mansell might have helped King Charles II. This was in 1651, after the King lost the Battle of Worcester. The King was trying to escape England to France. It is thought that Mansell, who imported wine, lent the King a ship. This helped the King get to France safely.
People described Francis Mansell as a "strict and severe" person. But he was also loved and respected by his friends.
