Richard Allestree facts for kids
Richard Allestree (born around 1621 or 1622 – died 1681) was an important English church leader. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. Later, he became the provost (which means the head or leader) of Eton College, a famous school in England.
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Richard Allestree's Early Life and Education
Richard Allestree was born in a place called Uppington in Shropshire, England. His family was from Derbyshire. He went to school in Coventry and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a college at Oxford University. He started there in 1636 when he was about 15 years old.
Joining the King's Army
In 1642, when the English Civil War began, Richard Allestree joined the King's army. The King's supporters were called Royalists. He fought in battles and even hid valuable items from Christ Church College when the King's enemies, the Parliament's army, came to Oxford.
He was at the Battle of Edgehill in October 1642. After this battle, he was captured by soldiers but was soon set free. In 1643, he was back in the army, even carrying his musket (a type of gun) in one hand and a book in the other, showing he was still dedicated to his studies.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Richard Allestree went back to his studies. He became a priest and a popular tutor at Oxford. He remained very loyal to the King. Because he refused to follow the rules set by the Parliament, he was forced to leave Oxford in 1648.
He then worked as a chaplain (a priest who serves a private household) and traveled to France. When he returned, he secretly carried messages between the future King Charles II of England and his supporters in England. This was a very dangerous job! Once, he was arrested while returning from a mission but was released after a few weeks.
Becoming a Church Leader
When the King was restored to the throne in 1660, Richard Allestree received many important positions. He became a canon (a type of priest) at Christ Church, Oxford, and a royal chaplain to the King. In 1663, he became a Regius Professor of Divinity, which is a very important teaching role at Oxford University.
In 1665, he was chosen to be the provost of Eton College. He was a very good leader there. He helped organize the college's money and made sure things ran smoothly. He also paid for a new building at the college, though it later had to be replaced. Richard Allestree was buried in the chapel at Eton College when he died in 1681. He left his large collection of about 3,500 books to Christ Church, Oxford.
Richard Allestree's Writings
Richard Allestree was also a writer and a great preacher. He wrote several books and many sermons (religious speeches). Some of his well-known works include:
- The Gentlemans Calling (1660)
- The Government of the Tongue (1667)
- The Ladies' Calling (1673)
He is also thought to be the author of a very famous book called The Whole Duty of Man, though this is still debated by historians. People described him as a very learned, kind, and generous person.
Images for kids
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Richard Allestree, 1684 engraving by David Loggan.
