Nathaniel Brent facts for kids

Sir Nathaniel Brent (born around 1573 – died 6 November 1652) was an important English leader at a university college. He played a big part in the Church of England and during the English Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Nathaniel Brent was born in Little Wolford, Warwickshire, around 1573. He started studying at Merton College, Oxford, in 1589. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1593. In 1594, he became a fellow, which is like a senior scholar, at the college. He got his Master's degree (M.A.) in 1598.

In 1607, he became a 'proctor' at the university. A proctor was an official who helped keep order and enforce rules. He later earned a law degree in 1623.

Travels and Family

Between 1613 and 1614, Brent traveled in other countries. During this time, he found the original Italian version of a famous book. This book was called History of the Council of Trent, which he would later translate.

In 1616, he was in The Hague, a city in the Netherlands. He was with Dudley Carleton, who was an ambassador there. After his travels, Brent married Martha. She was the daughter of Robert Abbot, who was a bishop. Martha was also the niece of George Abbot, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Leading Merton College

Because of his family connections, Brent was chosen to lead Merton College in 1622. This job was called the 'wardenship'. He also became an important helper to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was like a legal assistant, dealing with church matters. He also became a judge in a special court that handled wills.

From 1634 to 1637, Brent traveled around England. He was helping the Archbishop, William Laud, to check on churches. He reported on any problems and helped fix them.

Brent owned a house in London and was often away from Merton College. In 1629, King Charles I knighted him. This meant he was given the title "Sir." In 1636, Brent helped present Prince Charles (who would later be King Charles II) and Prince Rupert for their university degrees.

Conflict with Archbishop Laud

In 1638, Archbishop Laud visited Merton College. He wanted to make many big changes. Laud stayed at the college for weeks. Brent disagreed with Laud's ideas and opposed him.

Some people accused Brent of managing the college poorly. Laud did not take public action against Brent for this. However, Laud's letters to Brent were very strict. Later, in 1641, Laud himself was accused of wrongdoing. Brent spoke against Laud during his trial. Brent's statements about Laud's connections to Catholics were damaging. Laud wrote replies to Brent's accusations.

English Civil War and Parliament

When the English Civil War began, Brent supported Parliament. King Charles I entered Oxford in 1642. Before the King arrived, Brent left Oxford and went to London.

In 1645, King Charles I removed Brent from his position at Merton College. The King said Brent had been away for three years. He also said Brent had supported the "rebels" (Parliament's side). Brent had also signed an agreement called the Solemn League and Covenant. This agreement showed loyalty to Parliament.

William Harvey was chosen to replace Brent. But when Parliament's army took control of Oxford in 1646, Brent returned. He took back his job at Merton College without any problems.

Working for Parliament

In 1647, Parliament asked Brent to lead a group. This group was sent to check on the University of Oxford. Their job was to fix problems and bad behavior. The group started its work in June. By September, colleges had to send their records to Merton. This helped Brent and his team do their job.

In 1648, Brent helped four visitors get their Master's degrees. He also spoke up for a student named Anthony à Wood. Wood supported the King, but Brent helped him keep his scholarship. Wood believed Brent helped him because Brent knew his mother.

In 1649, Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax visited the university. After this, the commission became stricter. But Brent became unhappy with how the commission was working. The visitors started making decisions for Merton College without asking Brent. They allowed new fellows and students without his approval.

In 1651, Brent sent a complaint to Parliament. He protested against the visitors' actions. The commissioners were told to respond, but it's not clear if they did. In October 1651, Brent left the commission.

On 27 November, he resigned as Warden of Merton College. He said it was because of a rule against holding too many jobs. However, he also refused to sign a loyalty statement called 'the engagement'. This was likely another reason for his resignation. Brent then moved to his house in London. He died there on 6 November 1652. He was buried in a church called St Bartholomew-the-Less.

His Writings

In 1620, Brent translated a book into English. It was the History of the Council of Trent by Paolo Sarpi (who used the pen name Pietro Soave Polano). A second edition came out in 1629.

In 1625, he helped republish a book called Vindiciae Ecclesiae Anglicanae. This book defended the Church of England. Francis Mason had first published it in 1613.

Family Life

Brent had a daughter named Margaret. She married Edward Corbet, who was a Presbyterian. Archbishop Laud repeatedly refused to give Corbet a church job in Chartham.