George Abbot (author) facts for kids
George Abbot (born 1604, died 1649) was an English writer and politician. He was known as "The Puritan" because of his strong religious beliefs. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the English Parliament during the 1640s. George Abbot is also famous for bravely defending Caldecote House against royalist forces. This happened at the start of the English Civil War.
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George Abbot's Early Life and Politics
George Abbot was the son of George Abbott of York and Joan Penkeston. His father passed away in 1607. George owned land in a place called Baddesley Clinton. He was also a good friend of Richard Vines, a minister in Caldecote.
In April 1640, George Abbot was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Tamworth in a short meeting of Parliament. This meeting was known as the Short Parliament.
George Abbot and the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, Abbot worked closely with his stepfather, William Purefoy. They were active in the county of Warwickshire. George Abbot became well-known for bravely defending the Purefoy family home. This house was in Caldecote, Warwickshire.
Defending Caldecote House
On August 15, 1642, George Abbot, his mother Joan, and eight other people bravely held out. They faced Prince Rupert of the Rhine and about 18 soldiers on horses. Even though they were greatly outnumbered, they defended the house for a while. This brave act was even reported in the newspapers in London.
A Friend to Richard Baxter
After the Battle of Edgehill in October 1642, a famous preacher named Richard Baxter moved to Coventry. George Abbot was one of the people who listened to Baxter preach there. Baxter later wrote about "my dear friend Mr. George Abbot." He mentioned Abbot's defense of Caldecote House in his writings. Baxter explained that royalist forces were attacking nearby places like Warwick Castle and Coventry.
Abbot was chosen again as an MP for Tamworth in 1645. This time, he served in the Long Parliament. He held this position until he passed away in 1649. He died at 44 years old and was buried in Caldecote church. His monument there describes his brave defense of Caldecote.
George Abbot's Legacy
In his will, George Abbot left money and land to start a free school in Caldecote. This school was supported by land he owned in Baddesley Ensor. This helped provide education for children in the area.
George Abbot's Writings
George Abbot was a scholar and a writer who studied religious topics. He was not a clergyman, meaning he was not a priest or minister.
His book, Whole Booke of Job Paraphrased, was published in 1640. It explained the biblical Book of Job in a clear and simple way. Another of his books, Vindiciae Sabbathi (1641), was about the importance of Sunday. It influenced many discussions about how people should observe the Sabbath day.
After he died, his book The Whole Book of Psalms Paraphrased was published in 1650. His friend Richard Vines helped publish it. It was dedicated to George's mother, Joan Purefoy.
Common Confusions About George Abbot
Sometimes, George Abbot has been confused with other people who had the same name. Some people mistakenly thought he was a clergyman, but he was not. His writings have also sometimes been wrongly given to a relative of George Abbot, who was an archbishop. Another person named George Abbot was also an MP in the Long Parliament, but he represented a different area called Guildford.
