Ralph Battell facts for kids

Ralph Battell was an important English clergyman who lived a long time ago, from 1649 to 1713. He was known as a "divine," which means he was a religious leader in the Anglican Church.

Early Life and Education

Ralph Battell was born on April 11, 1649. His father, also named Ralph Battell, was a clergyman too, serving as the rector (the main priest) for two churches in Hertford, England.

Young Ralph Battell went to Peterhouse, Cambridge, which is a college at the famous University of Cambridge. He studied there and earned several degrees. He received his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1669. Later, he earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1673, and finally, a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1705.

His Career and Roles

Throughout his life, Ralph Battell held many important positions in the church:

• He became the rector of St. Peter's Church in Canterbury. He was also the rector of a church in Edworth, Bedfordshire.
• He served as the subdean of the Chapel Royal. This meant he helped lead religious services for the King or Queen.
• He was a sub-almoner to Queen Anne. In this role, he helped the Queen manage her charity work and give aid to people in need.
• In 1680, he became a prebendary of Worcester. A prebendary was a senior clergyman who was part of the governing body of a cathedral.

His Writings

Ralph Battell also wrote some books and sermons during his life. Here are a few of his known works:

• Vulgar Errors in Divinity removed (1683): This book discussed common misunderstandings about religious ideas.
• A Sermon on Matt. vii. 12 (1684): This was a sermon he gave, based on a passage from the Bible.
• The Lawfulness and Expediency of Church-Musick asserted (1694): In this sermon, he talked about why music in church was a good and proper thing.

Later Life and Death

Ralph Battell passed away on March 20, 1713. He was buried in the cemetery of All Saints' Church in Hertford, the same town where his father had been a rector.

Images for kids

• J. Simon - Ralph Battell.jpg

  A mezzotint engraving of Ralph Battell by J. Simon, based on a painting by Michael Dahl.