John Battely facts for kids
John Battely (born 1646, died 1708) was an important English historian and church leader. He was known as an antiquary, which means he studied very old things and places. From 1688 to 1708, he served as the Archdeacon of Canterbury. This was a high-ranking position in the church.
Battely wrote two major books about ancient history. These books were published after he passed away. One was called Antiquitates Rutupinae, which means 'Antiquities of Richborough'. The other was Antiquitates S. Edmundi Burgi ad Annum MCCLXXII Perductae, or 'Antiquities of St. Edmundsbury to 1272'. John Battely also had a brother, Nicholas Battely. Nicholas helped edit another important history book about Canterbury.
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Early Life and Education
John Battely was born on November 11, 1646. His hometown was Bury St. Edmunds in England. His father, Nicholas Battely, worked as an apothecary. This was like a pharmacist who prepared medicines.
John went to the King Edward VI Grammar School in Bury St. Edmunds. After finishing school, he went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1662. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1665 or 1666. Later, he became a Fellow of the college in 1668. He received his M.A. degree in 1669 and his D.D. (Doctor of Divinity) in 1684.
Church Career and Historical Studies
In 1675, John Battely became a priest in Ely. He then worked as a private chaplain for important church leaders. First, he served Archbishop Sancroft. Later, he worked for Archbishop Tillotson. A chaplain helps a high-ranking person with religious duties.
From 1682 to 1684, Battely was the Rector of Hunton in Norfolk. A rector is a priest in charge of a local church. On November 19, 1684, he became the Rector of Adisham in Kent. It was probably around this time that he started his research. He studied the ancient Roman site of Richborough Castle.
In 1687, Battely moved back to East Anglia. He was made Archdeacon of Suffolk. This role gave him a special seat at Norwich Cathedral. It also meant he looked after the churches in his home county.
Important Church Roles
John Battely became the Archdeacon of Canterbury on March 24, 1688. In the same year, he also became the Master of the Eastbridge Hospital. This hospital was a charity that helped people.
On November 5, 1688, he became a canon of Canterbury Cathedral. A canon is a priest who works closely with the cathedral. This was the same day William of Orange arrived in England. Five days later, on November 10, Battely formally agreed to the church's beliefs.
His Legacy and Published Works
John Battely passed away on October 10, 1708. He left all his notes and papers to his nephew, Oliver Battely. Oliver made sure his uncle's important work was shared.
In 1711, Oliver published John's book about Richborough. Later, in 1745, Oliver worked with Sir James Burrough. Together, they printed John's book about Bury St. Edmunds. These books helped people learn a lot about England's ancient past.
