George Acworth (Anglican divine) facts for kids

George Acworth (born 1534, died around 1578) was an English Protestant church leader and a lawyer in the 16th century. He was known for his education and his work with important figures of his time.

Early Life and Education

George Acworth went to Peterhouse, Cambridge, one of the colleges at the famous University of Cambridge. He was a very good student.

During the time of Queen Mary I, he traveled to France and Italy. In these countries, he studied civil law, which is a type of law based on Roman rules.

In 1560, he became the public speaker for Cambridge University. This meant he gave official speeches. The next year, he earned his degree as a doctor of laws.

Career and Church Roles

In 1562, George Acworth became a lawyer in the Arches Court. This was an important church court in England. He then lived with Archbishop Matthew Parker, a very powerful church leader.

Archbishop Parker gave him a special church position called a prebend in Southwell. In 1567, Acworth worked for Robert Horne, who was the bishop of Winchester. He helped the bishop manage church affairs.

Later, in 1575, the Archbishop of Canterbury allowed him to hold another church position. This was the rectory of Ellington, also known as Wroughton.

Later Years and Writings

In 1576, George Acworth moved to Ireland. There, he was given important roles as a judge. He became the master of the faculties and a judge in the prerogative court.

He took these jobs after he had lost his positions in England. This was due to some difficulties with his personal behavior. The exact year George Acworth died is not known for sure, but it was likely around 1578.

Acworth also wrote several books and prefaces:

• He wrote a speech called Orationem encomiasticam in restitutione Buceri et Fagii. This was about two important religious reformers, Martin Bucer and Paul Fagius.
• He wrote the introduction for the second book of Martin Bucer's collected works.
• He also wrote a book called De visibili Romanarchia, contra Nic. Sanderi Monarchiam. He wrote this book while living with Archbishop Parker. It was likely at Parker's suggestion. This book argued against another book written by Nicolas Sanderus.

George Acworth was trusted by Archbishop Parker for a time. He even helped Parker with his own book, Antiquitates Britannicae, which was about the history of the British Church.