Peter Walkden facts for kids

Peter Walkden was an English minister and a diarist. He lived a long life from 1684 to 1769. He served as a Presbyterian minister in different parts of England. His detailed diaries give us a peek into the daily life of a country minister long ago.

Peter Walkden: A Life of Service

Early Life and Education

Peter Walkden was born on October 16, 1684. His birthplace was Flixton, a village near Urmston in Lancashire, England. He first attended a local village school. Later, he studied at an academy run by James Coningham in Manchester. Coningham was a Presbyterian minister. Peter then went to a university in Scotland. There, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.

A Minister's Journey

Peter Walkden began his work as a minister on May 1, 1709. His first church was in Garsdale, Yorkshire. He stayed there for about two years. At the end of 1711, he moved to a new role. He became the minister for two small churches. These were in Newton-in-Bowland and Hesketh Lane. These areas were poor and had few people. He served these communities until 1738.

After that, he moved to Holcombe, near Bury, in the same county. In 1744, he took on a new position. He became the pastor of the tabernacle in Stockport, Cheshire. He continued his ministry there for many years. Peter Walkden passed away on November 5, 1769. He was buried in his own chapel. His son, Henry, wrote a special Latin message for his gravestone.

His Writings and Legacy

Peter Walkden kept a detailed diary. Parts of his diary from 1725, 1729, and 1730 still exist today. These writings were first published in 1866 by William Dobson. A newer edition, including his baptism records, came out in 1996. The diary shows us what life was like for a country minister in the 1700s. It describes the challenges and daily routines.

His diary was so interesting that it inspired other writers. For example, the author Hall Caine used parts of Walkden's life. He created a character named Parson Christian in his book A Son of Hagar. Other writings by Peter Walkden were also published. These included letters and notes from his personal books. They appeared in the Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire.

Family Life

Peter Walkden was married two times. His first wife was Margaret Woodworth. She passed away in December 1715. The name of his second wife is not known. He had eight children in total. One of his sons, Henry, also became a minister. Henry served in Clitheroe and died there on April 2, 1795.