John Groome (divine) facts for kids

John Groome was an English clergyman who lived from about 1678 to 1760. A clergyman is a leader in a Christian church.

Early Life and Education

John Groome was born around 1678 or 1679 in Norwich, England. His father was also named John Groome.

He went to Norwich grammar school. Later, in 1695, he started studying at Magdalene College at Cambridge University. He was a "sizar," which meant he received financial help for his studies, often by doing some work for the college. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1699.

Career and Writings

In July 1709, John Groome became the vicar (a type of priest) of Childerditch, a village in Essex. He also worked as a chaplain (a religious advisor) for Robert Darcy, who was the 3rd Earl of Holderness.

Groome felt that people were saying unfair things about the clergy. To defend them, he wrote a book in 1710 called The Dignity and Honour of the Clergy represented in an Historical Collection. This book showed how helpful and important the clergy had been to England. It highlighted their learning, their acts of kindness, and their roles in society.

Later Life and Legacy

John Groome passed away on July 31, 1760, in the area of St. Mary, Whitechapel. He was buried in Childerditch. He had been married but did not have any children.

In his will, Groome left money to create special scholarships, called "exhibitions," at Magdalene College. He wanted these scholarships to help sons of clergymen from Essex.

He also made sure that the vicars of Childerditch would receive money every year. This was so they could visit the college on St. Mary Magdalen's day (July 22). On this day, the college would read aloud the names of people who had given money. The vicar would check that Groome's scholarships were being used. If any scholarship was empty, the money from it would go to the vicar.

Groome also gave his entire library of books to Magdalene College.