Philip Falle facts for kids
Philip Falle (born 1656, died 1742) was an important person from the island of Jersey. He was a clergyman, which means he worked for the church, and also a historian. A historian is someone who studies and writes about the past.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Philip Falle was born in 1656 in the parish of St. Saviour in Jersey. He was the oldest of four brothers. Two of his brothers sadly died in battles. Another brother became a high-ranking officer in the navy.
Philip went to England when he was very young to go to school. He studied at different schools, including one in London. Later, in 1669, he went to Exeter College, Oxford, which is a famous university. He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1676.
Becoming a Clergyman
After finishing his studies, Philip Falle became a deacon in 1677. A deacon is a type of church official. In 1679, he became a priest.
In 1681, he was given a job as the priest for the Trinity parish in Jersey. This job paid him about £40 a year. He also took care of the soldiers at the local fort, who did not have their own chaplain.
Working for the Governor
In 1687, the governor of Jersey, Lord Jermyn, asked Philip Falle to come to England. He became a tutor for Lord Jermyn's only son. A tutor is a private teacher. Philip lived mostly at Lord Jermyn's country home during this time.
He stayed in England through an important historical event called the Glorious Revolution. This was a time when the king of England was replaced.
Return to Jersey and Public Service
In 1689, Philip Falle returned to Jersey. He became the priest for his home parish of St. Saviour.
Around this time, a big naval battle happened called the battle of La Hogue. After this battle, the French navy was scattered but still dangerous. They were causing problems by attacking ships.
Philip Falle was a member of the States of Jersey. This was the island's government. The States decided to ask King William III for help and protection. Philip Falle and another official traveled to England in 1693 to meet the King. They explained how much danger Jersey was in from the French.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1700, Philip Falle became a special clergyman at Durham Cathedral in England. In 1709, he left his job in Jersey and became the priest for a church in Shenley, England.
Philip Falle never married. He died in Shenley on May 7, 1742.
The Jersey Library
Philip Falle left a wonderful gift to the people of Jersey. In 1736, he gave his large collection of books to his fellow islanders. This gift, along with books from another person, helped create a big library. The government of Jersey built a special building for this library in Saint Helier.
His Writings
Philip Falle was not just a clergyman; he was also a writer and historian.
- First Book on Jersey: As part of his efforts to protect Jersey, he wrote the first Account of Jersey in 1694. This book described the island.
- Royal Chaplain: In the same year, he became a chaplain to the King. He even gave a sermon after the death of Queen Mary in 1694.
- Editing a History Book: He also helped edit a history book about the battle of Landen. This book was written by his friend, Edward D'Auvergne.
- Expanded History: In 1722, he wrote about the Channel Islands for a famous book called Britannia. In 1734, he published a bigger and updated version of his History of Jersey.
- Sermons: Philip Falle also published some of the sermons he gave.
