Ralph Button facts for kids

Ralph Button (died 1680) was an English scholar and church leader who lived in the 1600s. He was a professor, a church official, and later a teacher who didn't follow the main church rules. He died in 1680.

Ralph Button's Life and Career

Early Years and Oxford Education

Ralph Button grew up in Bishopstone, Wiltshire, England. He was the son of Robert Button. He went to Exeter College at Oxford University. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1630.

In 1633, a leader at Exeter College, John Prideaux, suggested Ralph Button for a special position at Merton College. This position was called a fellowship. Button received the fellowship and became a well-known and successful tutor at the university. He taught many students, including Anthony à Wood.

Changes During the English Civil War

When the First English Civil War began in 1642, Ralph Button supported the Parliament. He moved to London. In November 1643, he was chosen to be the Professor of Geometry at Gresham College. This was an important teaching role.

In 1647, he was asked to help a group from Parliament. This group was visiting Oxford University to make changes. Button seemed to go back to his teaching job at Merton College around this time.

New Roles at Oxford

In February 1648, Ralph Button was given a new job as a junior proctor. A proctor helps keep order and rules at the university. In April, he gave a speech in Latin to Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke, who was the new leader of the university.

In June 1648, Button left his teaching job at Gresham College. In August, he became a canon at Christ Church, Oxford. A canon is a type of church official. He also became the public orator for the university. This meant he was the official speaker for important events. At this time, he chose not to get a higher degree because it was too expensive. He had also recently gotten married.

Ralph Button showed courage by standing up for Edward Pococke. He successfully stopped the Parliament's visitors from removing Pococke from his teaching job. Pococke taught Hebrew and Arabic.

Life After the Restoration

When the king returned to power in England, known as the English Restoration, Ralph Button lost all his jobs. His position at Christ Church was given to John Fell.

Button left Oxford and moved to Brentford. There, he started a school. He taught alongside his neighbor, Thomas Pakeman. Richard Baxter, a famous writer, said that Button was later put in prison for six months. This was because he was teaching without taking a special oath required by Oxford.

In 1672, a new law called the Declaration of Indulgence was passed. This law allowed some religious freedom. Button then moved to Islington. A student named Joseph Jekyll lived with him and studied with him.

Ralph Button died in Islington in October 1680. He was buried in the local church. Sadly, one of his sons also died and was buried at the same time. Richard Baxter wrote good things about Button in his book Reliquiae Baxterianae. Button also had a daughter who married a doctor in London.