Meredith Hanmer facts for kids

Meredith Hanmer (1543–1604) was a Welsh clergyman. He was known as a writer who debated ideas, a historian, and a translator. He lived during a time when Protestantism was growing in Ireland. He observed life around Trinity College, Dublin.

Early Life and Education

Meredith Hanmer was born in 1543 at Porkington in Shropshire, England. His father was Richard ap David ap Howel Goch. Meredith went to Corpus Christi College, Oxford for his education. He became a chaplain there in 1567. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1568. Later, he received his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1572. He completed his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree in 1582.

Career in England

From 1581 to 1592, Hanmer served as the vicar of St. Leonard's, Shoreditch. He also worked as the vicar of St Mary's, Islington from 1583 to 1590. During his time at Shoreditch, he removed some old metal plaques from the church. These plaques were called monumental brasses.

Move to Ireland

Around 1591, Meredith Hanmer moved to Ireland. He quickly took on several important church roles there. In 1591, he became the archdeacon of Ross. He was also the vicar of Timoleague. People like Christopher Carleill praised him as a dedicated preacher.

Church Roles in Ireland

Hanmer held many positions in the church across Ireland:

• In 1593, he became the treasurer of Waterford Cathedral.
• In 1594, he joined Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin as a vicar-choral.
• In 1595, he became a prebendary of St. Michan's in Christ Church.
• Later that year, he became the rector of the Blessed Virgin Mary de Borages. This church was in Leighlin.
• In 1598, he was given charge of several churches in county Kilkenny. These included Muckalee, Rathpatrick, Kylbeacon, and Killaghy.
• In 1599, he was presented to the rectory of the new college of the Blessed Mary of Youghal.
• He left some of these roles in 1602.
• In 1603, he was appointed chancellor of St. Canice Cathedral in Kilkenny. He also became vicar of Fiddown and St. John the Evangelist. At the same time, he was rector of Aglish-Martin.

Later Life and Death

Meredith Hanmer passed away in 1604. He was buried in St. Michan's Church in Dublin. It is thought that he died from the bubonic plague. He had married Mary Austin in 1581. They had four daughters together.

Published Works

Meredith Hanmer was known for his writings and translations.

Historical Writings

His most famous historical work is his Chronicle of Ireland. This book was first published in 1633 by Sir James Ware. It is considered a well-researched and important historical text.

Translations

Hanmer also worked as a translator. In 1576, he translated the works of three early church historians:

• Eusebius
• Socrates of Constantinople
• Evagrius Scholasticus

Other Publications

Hanmer wrote several other books and sermons:

• The Great Bragge and Challenge of M. Champion ... confuted and answered by M.H. (1581). This work was written against Edward Campion. Campion was a Jesuit who challenged others to debates.
• The Jesuites Banner. ... With a Confutation of a late Pamphlet ... entitled A Brief Censure upon two Books written in Answeare to M. Champion's [Campion's] offer of disputation (1581). This was another book against Edward Campion.
• The Baptizing of a Turke (1586). This was a sermon he gave in London. It was about a former galley slave who became a Christian. This person was among those freed by Sir Francis Drake from the Spanish Caribbean.