Lawrence Washington (1602–1652) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lawrence Washington
Rev. Lawrence Washington (1602–1652)
Born	2 November 1602 England
Died	21 January 1652 (aged 49) England
Resting place	All Saints' Church, Maldon, Essex
Occupation	Rector
Spouse(s)	Amphillis Twigden
Children	John Washington Lawrence Washington William Washington Elizabeth Washington Margaret Washington Martha Washington
Parent(s)	Lawrence Washington Margaret Butler
Family	Washington family

Lawrence Washington (born November 2, 1602 – died January 21, 1652) was an English priest. He was a rector, which is a type of church leader, in the Church of England. He is famous for being an early ancestor of the Washington family in Virginia. He was the great-great-grandfather of U.S. President George Washington.

Family Background

Lawrence Washington was born in England on November 2, 1602. He was the fifth son of Lawrence Washington of Sulgrave Manor. His mother was Margaret Butler.

He had many brothers and sisters. One of his older brothers, Sir William Washington, married Anne Villiers. She was the half-sister of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, who was a favorite of King James I.

Lawrence Washington was also a great-great-grandson of John Washington. This shows his family had a long history in England.

Life and Career

Lawrence Washington started his studies at Brasenose College, Oxford in 1619. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1623. Soon after, he became a Fellow at the college, which is like being a senior member or teacher.

In 1626, he earned his Master of Arts degree. The next year, he became a university lecturer, teaching students.

Working at Oxford University

In 1632, the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud, made Washington a "proctor" at Oxford. A proctor helped keep order and enforce rules at the university.

King Charles I wanted to make changes to the Church of England. Archbishop Laud helped the King carry out these changes. Washington played a part in these reforms at the university.

Becoming a Rector

Because of his work for Archbishop Laud, Washington was given a good job. He became the rector of All Saints parish in Purleigh, Essex, in 1632. This job paid well and allowed him to marry.

At that time, teachers at Oxford were not allowed to marry. So, taking this new job meant he could marry Amphilis Twigden. She was a smart and wealthy young widow.

Challenges During the Civil War

England faced a difficult time during the English Civil War. Many Church of England priests lost their jobs. This happened because the Long Parliament, which was controlled by Puritans, accused them of various things.

In 1643, Lawrence Washington was removed from his position in Purleigh. He was accused of things that were not true. After losing his job, he became a rector in a much poorer parish called Little Braxted in Essex.

His wife and children did not move with him. They found shelter with the family of Sir Edwin Sandys. This family was supportive and had connections to the Virginia Company.

Through the Sandys family, Lawrence's son, John Washington, got a job. He became an apprentice to a merchant in London. There, he learned about the tobacco trade.

Lawrence Washington died in 1652. He was buried in the churchyard of All Saints' Church in Maldon, Essex. He did not have much money when he died.

Family Moves to Virginia

Three of Lawrence Washington's children later moved to Virginia. Another relative, Samuel Argall, also moved there. These connections helped establish the Washington family in America.

Remembering Lawrence Washington

In 1928, a special window was placed in All Saints' Church in Maldon. This "Washington window" remembers the Washington family. It was given by the people of Malden, Massachusetts, in the United States.

Marriage and Children

Lawrence Washington met Amphilis Twigden in 1630. They married in December 1633. Together, they had six children: three sons and three daughters.

• Lt. Col. John Washington was born in 1633 or 1634. He moved to Virginia in 1656. He married Anne Pope and had children, including Lawrence, who would become the grandfather of George Washington.
• Lawrence Washington was born in 1635. He also moved to Virginia but later returned to England. He became a merchant and had children. He moved back to Virginia a second time.
• William Washington was born in 1641.
• Elizabeth Washington was born in 1636. She married a man named Rumbold.
• Margaret Washington married George Talbot.
• Martha Washington moved to Virginia in 1678. She married Samuel Hayward but did not have children.

Images for kids

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  The Washington coat of arms

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  Memorial to Lawrence Washington in the churchyard of All Saints, Maldon, Essex