Paul Bush (bishop) facts for kids

Paul Bush (also known as Bushe) was an English Augustinian friar. He became the very first bishop of Bristol when the new diocese was created. He lived from 1490 to 1558.

Paul Bush's Early Life and Education

Paul Bush was born in Somerset, England. He went to the University of Oxford to study. Around 1517, he earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts. At this time, he was already known for writing poetry.

After his first degree, he continued his studies. He focused on divinity, which is the study of religious faith. He studied with a group of friars called the Bonhommes. Their house was located where Wadham College stands today. Paul Bush also studied medicine. He earned higher degrees in divinity, becoming a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctor of Divinity. He became a friar in the Augustinian order and started writing books.

Becoming a Bishop

Paul Bush became a leader among the Bonhommes. He rose to be the head of their house at Edington, near Westbury in Wiltshire. He also held an important position at Salisbury Cathedral. This was around 1539.

He gained the favor of Henry VIII, the King of England. King Henry made Bush his chaplain. When the new bishopric of Bristol was created, King Henry chose Paul Bush to be its first bishop.

In 1548, Paul Bush answered some questions about church practices. His answers showed he held traditional Catholic beliefs.

Challenges and Later Life

Paul Bush married a woman named Edith Ashley. She passed away in 1553, shortly after Queen Mary became queen. At that time, priests were not allowed to be married. Because he was married, Paul Bush faced challenges.

In 1554, a group of important church leaders made a decision. They removed him from his position as bishop. Paul Bush then chose to resign voluntarily in June 1554.

He was also accused of giving away some church land. This land, the manor of Leigh Court in Somerset, went to Edward VI in 1549. After resigning, Paul Bush moved to the rectory of Winterbourne, near Bristol. He lived there until he passed away at the age of 68. This was on October 11, 1558, just a few days before Queen Mary's death.

Paul Bush's Written Works

Paul Bush wrote several books and tracts during his lifetime. Here are some of his known works:

• 'A Lyttell Tretyse in Englyshe called the Exposycyon of Miserere mei Deus.'
• 'Certayne Gostly Medycynes necessary to be used among well disposed people, to eschew and avoid the comen plage of pestilence.' This was a small booklet with prayers against the plague.
• 'A Lyttell Treatyse in Englyshe called the Extripacion (sic) of Ignorancy.' This was a short poem dedicated to Princess Mary, who later became Queen Mary I.
• 'De laudibus Crucis.'
• 'Dialogus inter Christum et Mariam,' published in 1525.
• 'An Exhortacyon to Margaret, wyf of John Burgess, clothier of Kingswood, in the county of Wilts, by Paul Bushe, bishop of Bristol.' This was written in 1554. John Burgess was a wealthy cloth maker.
• 'Carminum diversorum liber unus.'