Francis Roberts facts for kids
Francis Roberts (1609–1675) was an English clergyman, writer, and librarian. He was known as a Puritan, which meant he wanted to make the Church of England simpler. Roberts lived during a time of big changes in England, including the English Civil War.
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Early Life and Education
Francis Roberts was born in 1609 in Methley, a village near Leeds, England. He went to Trinity College, Oxford, a famous university, from 1625 to 1632. This education helped him prepare for his life as a religious leader and scholar.
Time in Birmingham
After his studies, Roberts worked as a junior clergyman, called a curate, in Sutton Coldfield. By 1635, he became the main minister at St Martin in the Bull Ring church in Birmingham. He got married in Birmingham that same year. His two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, were also baptized there in 1637 and 1638.
Founding Birmingham's First Library
While in Birmingham, Francis Roberts did something very important. He started the first public library in the city. This was a big deal because public libraries were very new in England at that time. He also became known as a great speaker and lecturer.
Escaping Danger
During the English Civil War, Birmingham supported the Parliament. In April 1643, Prince Rupert of the Rhine and his Royalist soldiers attacked the town. During this attack, Royalist troops mistakenly attacked another minister, thinking he was Francis Roberts. Roberts managed to escape this dangerous situation.
Life in London and Somerset
After escaping Birmingham, Roberts moved to London. In 1643, he became the minister of St Augustine Watling Street church in the City of London. Under his leadership, this church became a strong center for Presbyterians. Presbyterians were another group who wanted to change the church. Roberts was also good friends with other important religious leaders of his time.
In 1650, Roberts moved again to Wrington in Somerset. He spent the rest of his life there. Even after the English king returned to power in 1660, Roberts continued his work. In 1673, he became the first chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Arthur Capell, 1st Earl of Essex.
Important Writings
Francis Roberts was a very active writer. He wrote both scholarly books and works for a wider audience. Some of his most famous books include:
- Synopsis of Theology or Divinity (1645)
- Mysterium & medulla bibliorum, the Mysterie and Marrow of the Bible (1657)
- Clavis bibliorum; the Key of the Bible (1665)
His book Clavis bibliorum was written to help "the weakest capacity in the understanding of the whole Bible." This shows he wanted to make religious knowledge easier for everyone to understand.
