John Earle (bishop) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend John Earle
Bishop of Salisbury
Portrait of John Earle, circa 1660
Enthroned	1663
Reign ended	1665
Predecessor	Humphrey Henchman
Successor	Alexander Hyde
Other posts	Bishop of Worcester
Orders
Consecration	1662
Personal details
Born	1601 York, England
Died	17 November 1665 Oxford
Denomination	Church of England
Alma mater	Christ Church, Oxford

John Earle (born around 1601 – died 17 November 1665) was an important English church leader, writer, and translator. He served as a special helper and advisor to King Charles II. Later in his life, he became a bishop, first in Worcester and then in Salisbury.

John Earle's Life Story

Early Years and Studies

John Earle was born in York, England. We don't know his exact birth date. He started his university studies at Christ Church, Oxford. Later, he moved to Merton College and became a fellow there. A fellow is like a senior member of the college.

In 1631, he became a "proctor." This was an official who helped keep order at the university. He also became a chaplain to Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke. A chaplain is a priest who serves a specific person or group. This connection helped him become a rector (a church leader) in Bishopston, Wiltshire, in 1639.

Working for the King

John Earle became well-known for his skills. In 1641, he was chosen to be a chaplain and teacher for the young prince who would later become Charles II of England.

In 1643, he was asked to join the Westminster Assembly. This was a group that met to discuss how the Church of England should be run. However, John Earle strongly supported Charles I of England and the traditional Anglican Communion church. So, he chose not to join the Assembly.

Around the same time, he was made the chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral. This was a high position in the church. But he soon lost this job because he was seen as a "malignant." This term was used for people who supported the King during the English Civil War.

After the King's side lost the Battle of Worcester, John Earle went to live abroad. He continued to serve Charles II as his "Clerk of the Closet" from 1651 to 1664. This was another important role as a royal chaplain.

He spent a year in Antwerp and then joined the Duke of York (who later became King James II) in Paris.

Return to England and Later Life

When the King returned to England in 1660 (an event called the English Restoration), John Earle came back too. He was made the dean of Westminster. A dean is a senior priest in charge of a cathedral or abbey.

In 1661, he helped revise the church's prayer book. He was also friends with Richard Baxter, another important religious figure.

In November 1662, John Earle became the Bishop of Worcester. About ten months later, he moved to become the Bishop of Salisbury. As bishop, he tried to be fair to people who didn't follow the main Church of England rules (called nonconformists). He was against laws like the Conventicle Act and the Five Mile Act. These laws made it harder for nonconformists to worship freely.

During the terrible Great Plague of London in 1665, John Earle stayed with King Charles II and his wife, Catherine of Braganza, in Oxford. He died there in November 1665.

Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, a famous writer of the time, described John Earle as a very religious and kind person. He said Earle was a great speaker and preacher. He was also very pleasant and funny to be around. People loved his company.

John Earle's Writings

His Famous Book: Microcosmographie

John Earle is best remembered for his clever and funny book called Microcosmographie. The full title was Microcosmographie, or a Peece of the World discovered, in Essayes and Characters. This book gives us a great look at what life was like in England during his time.

It was first published in 1628 without his name on it. The book became very popular. It was printed ten times while he was still alive! The writing style is unique and full of short, witty sayings. For example, he wrote: "A university dunner is a gentlemen follower cheaply purchased, for his own money has hyr'd him." This means a student who borrows money from others ends up working for them cheaply.

After his death, the book was printed many more times. In 1671, it was even translated into French.

Other Works

King Charles II asked John Earle to translate a book called Eikon Basilike into Latin. This book was believed to have been written by Charles I. The Latin version was published in 1649.

He also worked on translating another important book, Richard Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity. Sadly, this translation was lost in an accident.