Mary Pennyman facts for kids

Mary Pennyman, also known as Mary Boreham, was an English writer who shared her religious ideas. She was born in 1630 and passed away in 1701. Mary was married to John Pennyman, a Quaker who had different beliefs from the main Quaker group.

Early Life and First Marriage

Mary was born on May 1, 1630. Some records say her father was Edward Heron, while others suggest she was born in 1631 to Nicholas Bond of London.

Mary first married a Quaker named Henry Boreham (or Boreman). In 1662, she was briefly put in prison. This happened after a group called the Fifth Monarchy men caused some trouble. Her husband, Henry, was also imprisoned for selling religious books. Sadly, he died in prison the same year. Mary was left with three children and was expecting a fourth.

New Beginnings and Second Marriage

By 1670, Mary decided to close her oil shop in London. She then moved to Tottenham to live with two other widows. During this time, she decided to leave the main Quaker group. She became close with John Pennyman, who used to be a Quaker but had been disowned by George Fox, a leader of the Quakers. John Pennyman had started holding his own religious meetings in the 1660s. By 1670, John was also a widower; he had been married to Mary's sister, either Elizabeth Heron or Dinah Bond.

In 1671, Mary believed that God told her to move in with John Pennyman. They decided to get married in a very public way. John rented a large hall and invited 250 people to a feast to announce their marriage. This celebration was quite different from what Quakers usually did. Quakers often preferred simple ceremonies. Their wedding feast included 27 venison pies and a large barrel of red wine. William Penn, another famous Quaker, even wrote about how unusual this was. Despite this, some people, like Thomas and Ann Mudd, remained close friends and followers of Mary and John.

Many of Mary's letters and writings were published in her husband's books.

Travels and Later Life

In 1672 and 1673, Mary and John believed that God guided them to walk through the English counties of Essex and Hertfordshire. Later, in 1691, they moved to live with John Pennyman's son-in-law in Bishopsgate. After that, they moved to the countryside. Mary Pennyman passed away in 1701 after being ill for a long time.

Writings

Mary Pennyman was a writer who shared her religious thoughts and beliefs. Some of her notable works include:

• The Ark is begun to be opened (the waters being somewhat abated)... (1671) – This book was written with John Pennyman.
• John Pennyman's Instruction to his Children (1674) – This book offered guidance to children.
• The Quakers Rejected (around 1676) – This work discussed her views on the Quaker group.
• Some of the letters which were written by Mrs. Mary Pennyman, relating to an Holy and Heavenly Conversation, in which she lived to her Dying-Day (1701–1702) – This collection of letters was edited by John Pennyman after her death.