John Parkhurst (Master of Balliol) facts for kids
John Parkhurst (born 1564, died 1639) was an important English church leader and a smart person who worked at a university. He became the head, or "master," of Balliol College, Oxford, in 1617.
Early Life and Education
John Parkhurst was the second son of Henry Parkhurst from Guildford, Surrey. His mother was Alice, daughter of James Hills. He was related to another famous person named John Parkhurst, who was a bishop in Norwich.
John started his studies at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in 1581. He later became a student scholar, called a "demy," at Magdalen College, Oxford in 1583. By 1588, he became a "fellow," which is a senior member of the college. He earned several university degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1584, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1590, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) in 1600, and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1610.
While at Magdalen College, John Parkhurst taught natural philosophy (like early science) in 1591-1592 and moral philosophy (about right and wrong) in 1593 and 1596-1597. He also managed the college's money as a "bursar" in 1602. In 1597-1598, he served as a "proctor," which was an official who helped keep order in the university.
Career and Church Work
John Parkhurst also worked as a chaplain, which is a priest who serves a private family or institution. He was a chaplain to Sir Henry Neville, who was an ambassador (a country's representative) in Paris.
In 1602, Sir Henry Neville gave John Parkhurst the job of rector (a type of priest) at the church in Shellingford, Berkshire. Because of this new role, Parkhurst left his fellowship at Magdalen College the next year. He also held other church jobs, including rector of Newington, Oxfordshire, from 1619, and rector of Little Wakering, Essex, from 1629. He was also a chaplain to Archbishop George Abbot.
At Shellingford, John Parkhurst helped rebuild the church. He made sure to include parts of the older building, like its Norman-style windows and a special arch in the chancel (the area around the altar).
In 1613, a "Mr. Parkhurst" was sent by the Duke of Savoy to talk with Swiss Protestants in Geneva. This might have been John Parkhurst, and his mission caused some discussion about England's policies at the time.
Master of Balliol College
On February 6, 1617, John Parkhurst was chosen to be the new Master of Balliol College, Oxford. This was a very important position, like being the head of the college. At that time, Balliol was one of the smaller colleges.
His election was part of an effort to secure money left by Thomas Tisdall in 1610. This money was meant to create fellowships and scholarships for students from Abingdon. Six scholars were actually housed in a special building at Balliol during Parkhurst's time as master. However, in 1624, this money was used to help turn another building, Broadgates Hall, into a new college called Pembroke College, Oxford. Another important gift of money, called the Periam foundation, also came to Balliol during his time (1620).
John Evelyn, a famous diarist who started studying at Balliol in 1637, thought that the college's rules were not very strict during Parkhurst's leadership. John Parkhurst resigned from his role as Master in 1637. He was buried in Shellingford on January 29, 1639.
Family Life
John Parkhurst had a younger brother named Sir Robert. Sir Robert was a cloth worker and became the Lord Mayor of London in 1635. He passed away in 1636.
John Parkhurst married Sarah, who was the daughter of Anthony Tisdall of Abingdon. Sarah died in 1661. They had several children:
- Henry (1612-1669), who also became a fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford and a church official.
- Thomas (1614–1639).
- Dorothy (1615–1634).
- Mary (died 1627).
