James Bradshaw (1613–1685) facts for kids

James Bradshaw (1613–1685) was an English clergyman who lived during a time of great change in England. He is known as an "ejected minister" because he was removed from his church position due to his beliefs.

Who Was James Bradshaw?

James Bradshaw was an important religious leader in England during the 1600s. He was a Presbyterian minister, which means he followed a certain type of Protestant Christian faith. He lived through the English Civil War, a major conflict that affected everyone in the country.

Early Life and Education

James Bradshaw was born in 1613 in a place called Darcy Lever, which is near Bolton in Lancashire, England. He went to Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university, to get his education. After his studies, he became a minister.

A Time of Change: The English Civil War

During the English Civil War, James Bradshaw was the minister (or rector) in Wigan. This was a very difficult time, as people were divided between supporting the King or Parliament. In 1644, he was involved in events around the Siege of Lathom House, a famous battle during the war. He used his sermons to encourage the Parliament's side.

Later, he was replaced in Wigan by another minister, Charles Hotham. This happened because Bradshaw did not follow a special "parliamentary fast," which was a day of prayer and fasting ordered by Parliament.

Becoming an 'Ejected Minister'

After leaving Wigan, James Bradshaw moved to Macclesfield to continue his work as a minister. However, in 1662, he was "ejected" from his position there. This means he was officially removed from his church role. This happened to many ministers at the time because of a new law called the Act of Uniformity. This law required all ministers to agree to certain rules and ways of worship that Bradshaw and others could not accept.

Later Life and Legacy

Even after being ejected, James Bradshaw continued to preach. He held services at places like Houghton Chapel and later at Bradshaw Chapel. He would read some of the official prayers, but he still did not fully agree to the new rules set by the government.

James Bradshaw passed away in 1685 at the age of 73. He was buried in Bolton on February 26th of that year. His eldest son, John Bradshaw, followed in his footsteps and became a minister as well.