Margaret Bromley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Margaret Bromley
Effigy of Margaret Bromley
Born	Margaret Lowe Unknown Probably Lichfield
Died	1657 Loughborough
Nationality	English
Occupation	Landowner
Years active	1626-57
Known for	Supporting nonconformist ministers.
Spouse(s)	Sir Edward Bromley (1593–1626)
Parent(s)	Michael Lowe of Tymore (died 1593-4) Margaret Biddulph (died 1584)

Margaret Bromley (died 1657), born Margaret Lowe, was an important English Puritan woman from Staffordshire. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure."

Margaret married Sir Edward Bromley, a well-known lawyer and judge. After he passed away, she created a safe place at Sheriffhales for ministers who didn't follow the official church rules. During the English Civil War, she left Sheriffhales and spent her last years in Loughborough.

Margaret Bromley: A Puritan Supporter

Her Early Life and Family

Margaret Lowe was born in the early 1570s, likely in Lichfield. Her family, the Lowes, were landowners in the area. Her father, Michael Lowe, was a successful lawyer. He owned land at Tymore, near Lichfield.

Her mother, also named Margaret, was the daughter of Simon Biddulph. The Biddulphs were important merchants in Lichfield. Both of Margaret's grandfathers, Humphrey Lowe and Simon Biddulph, were involved in running the town.

Growing Up in Lichfield

Margaret's family was strongly Protestant. This was even true during times when Protestants were being punished. Her grandmothers, Margaret Biddulph and Joan Lowe, supported Joyce Lewis. Joyce Lewis was a Protestant who was killed for her beliefs in Lichfield in 1557.

Michael Lowe, Margaret's father, was very committed to Lichfield. In 1571, he set up a charity to help 12 poor local men each year. This charity, Michael Lowe's Charity, still helps people today.

Margaret's mother died in 1584 when Margaret and her sisters were still young. It is thought that Margaret and her sisters grew up in or near Lichfield, possibly at Tymore.

Marriage to Sir Edward Bromley

Effigies of Edward and Margaret Bromley, Worfield

Epitaph of Edward Bromley, Worfield.

Margaret's family had many connections in the legal world. This is likely how her marriage to Edward Bromley was arranged. Edward Bromley was a young lawyer. He was allowed to use a study at the Inner Temple, a famous law school, with Margaret's father, Michael Lowe.

Edward Bromley and Margaret Lowe got married on April 18, 1593. Edward was the son of a famous politician and lawyer, Sir George Bromley. Edward became a judge in 1610 and was made a knight.

Margaret and Edward did not have any children. When Sir Edward Bromley died in 1626, he left Margaret all his movable property. He also asked for a monument to be built for him and Margaret. This monument was later built by Margaret in the church at Worfield.

Supporting Puritan Ministers

After her husband's death, Lady Margaret Bromley moved to Sheriffhales. This area was partly in Shropshire and partly in Staffordshire. She made Sheriffhales her home and a center for supporting Puritan ministers.

Life at Sheriffhales

Margaret Bromley was known for helping good ministers and people. She was kind and generous to those who faced difficulties because of their religious beliefs. She offered a place to stay for ministers who were being persecuted. She also allowed her home to be used for religious meetings.

One historian, Benjamin Brook, said that Margaret Bromley was "famous for promoting... the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom." This means she worked hard to spread her religious beliefs.

Who Were the Ministers?

Many Puritan preachers found refuge at Sheriffhales. One important minister was Julines Herring. Others included John Ball, Robert Nicolls, and Thomas Pierson. These ministers often preached in the local parish church on special occasions.

One of Margaret's nephews, Oliver Bromskill, was also a clergyman. He and his family lived with Margaret at Sheriffhales during the 1630s. They had several children there, including George, Samuel, Margaret, and John.

Moving During the Civil War

As the English Civil War began in 1642, the country became very divided. Clergy members had to choose sides. Many Puritan ministers, like Oliver Bromskill, were forced to leave their homes.

Oliver Bromskill went to Coventry for safety. Margaret Bromley, along with Bromskill's wife and children, later joined him there.

Final Years in Loughborough

All Saints Church, Loughborough.

By the later stages of the Civil War, Margaret Bromley moved to Loughborough in Leicestershire. She lived there with Oliver Bromskill and his family.

In 1647, Oliver Bromskill became the rector (head minister) of Loughborough Parish Church. He even bought the Loughborough manor house in 1654.

Her Legacy and Death

Margaret Bromley died in 1657 and was buried in Loughborough on March 23. In her will, she asked for a simple burial with no bells. She left money to her nephews and nieces, including Oliver Bromskill's children. Her will was officially approved on May 28, 1657.

Mapping Margaret's Journey