John Inett facts for kids

John Inett (born 1647, died 1717) was an English church leader and historian. He wrote important books about the history of the church in England.

Life Story

John Inett was born in 1647. His father, Richard Inett, married into the Hungerford family from Down Ampney, a place in Gloucestershire.

Early Education and Church Roles

John went to Bewdley grammar school. When he was 14, he started studying at University College, Oxford, in 1661. He officially joined the university in 1663. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1666 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1669.

At age 20, in 1667, he became a deacon. This was a first step in becoming a church minister. He was ordained by William Nicholson, who was the Bishop of Gloucester.

Moving Up in the Church

John Inett became the rector (a type of church leader) at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford. There, he met Thomas Barlow, who was a bishop. Bishop Barlow helped Inett get noticed by Sir Richard Newdigate, 1st Baronet.

In 1678, Sir Richard Newdigate helped Inett become the vicar (another church leader) of Nuneaton, in Warwickshire. Inett also worked as a chaplain for Newdigate at Arbury Hall.

In 1681, Bishop Barlow gave Inett a new job. He became the precentor (a leader in church music and services) at Lincoln Cathedral. A few years later, in 1685, he became the leader of the church in Tansor, Northamptonshire.

Serving the King and Later Life

In 1700, John Inett became a chaplain to King William III. This was a special role, serving the king. In 1701, he joined St John's College, Cambridge, and earned a higher degree (D.D.) from that university. He even sent two of his sons to study there.

In 1706, he gave up his church role in Tansor to his son, Richard. Instead, John Inett took on the church role in Clayworth, Nottinghamshire. In 1714, he was given another church position by the king, this time at St Mary's Church, Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

John Inett passed away in 1717. His wife had a special stone tablet placed in Lincoln Cathedral to remember him.

His Writings

John Inett was known for his writing, especially about the church.

Sermons and Devotional Books

In 1680, he gave a sermon (a church speech) in Warwick. This sermon was later published as a book.

He also wrote popular books to help people with their faith. In 1688, he published Guide to the Devout Christian. He added a second part to it in 1692, called Guide to Repentance. These books were very popular. By 1764, the first book had been printed 16 times, and the second book 10 times!

Major History Work

Inett's most important book was Origines Anglicanæ. The first part came out in London in 1704. He wrote this book to fill a gap in church history. Other historians like Edward Stillingfleet and Gilbert Burnet had written about earlier and later periods. Inett wanted to cover the time in between.

He got advice from White Kennett while writing. The first part of his book was well-received, even if it had some small mistakes. When the second part was ready, he gave the rights to his book to the Oxford University Press. They published it in 1710.

His two volumes covered the history of the English church from the year 401 to 1216. The book was popular in his time. It was even republished in 1855, edited by John Griffiths. However, another book by Jeremy Collier soon became more popular.

Inett's notes and collections were also used by Browne Willis for his book, Survey of Lincoln Cathedral.

Family Life

In 1680, John Inett married Mary Harrison. Mary was the daughter of Richard Harrison, who was a church leader at Lichfield Cathedral. They got married at Arbury.