Richard Carpenter (theologian) facts for kids

Richard Carpenter (1575–1627) was an English clergyman and writer. He was known for his writings on theology, which is the study of religious beliefs.

About Richard Carpenter

Richard Carpenter was likely born in Cornwall, England, in 1575. He became a well-known preacher and writer during his lifetime.

His Education and Early Career

Richard Carpenter started his studies at Exeter College, Oxford, in 1592. He earned several degrees there, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1596. He later received advanced degrees in theology, becoming a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1617.

While at Oxford, he was chosen for a special scholarship called a "Cornish fellowship." He held this position for ten years, from 1596 to 1606. During this time, he focused on studying theology and became known for his powerful sermons.

His Work as a Clergyman

In 1606, Richard Carpenter became the rector (a type of priest) for two churches: Sherwell and Loxhore. These churches were located near Barnstaple in Devon, England. He was also possibly the vicar (another type of priest) for the church in Cullompton for many years.

His will, a legal document about his wishes after death, shows that he was the pastor of Sherwell. He passed away on December 18, 1627. He was buried in the main part of Loxhore Church, where a monument was put up to remember him.

His Writings

Richard Carpenter wrote several books and sermons, all focused on theology. His works include:

• A Sermon Preached at the Funeral Solemnities of Sir Arthur Ackland (1612): This was a sermon given at the funeral of an important person.
• A Pastoral Charge at the Triennial Visitation of the Bishop of Exon. at Barnstaple (1616): This was a message given to other clergy members.
• Christ's Larum Bell of Love resounded (1616): This book explored Christian themes.
• The Conscionable Christian (1623): This book contained three sermons he gave in 1620.

Other writers, like Charles Fitzgeoffry, praised Carpenter's knowledge. Letters written to him by Degory Wheare in 1603 and 1621 were even published in a collection of letters. Richard Carpenter also wrote some poems that appeared in special university collections. These collections honored important events, like the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603 and the arrival of the new king, James I, in the same year.

His Family Life

While Richard Carpenter was a tutor at Oxford, one of his students was Christopher Trevelyan. Through this connection, Richard met Christopher's youngest sister, Susanna Trevelyan, who was born around 1588.

Richard and Susanna married on September 1, 1606, in Nettlecombe, Somerset. This marriage also helped him get his church positions from Sir Robert Chichester.

Richard and Susanna Carpenter had ten children:

• Susanna Carpenter (born 1607)
• John Carpenter (born around 1608)
• William Carpenter (born 1610)
• Mary Carpenter (born around 1610)
• Richard Carpenter (born around 1612)
• Ann Carpenter (born around 1614)
• Elizabeth Carpenter (born around 1616)
• Edward Carpenter (born around 1618)
• Sarah Carpenter (born around 1620)
• Thomas Carpenter (born around 1622)

It's important not to confuse this Richard Carpenter with others who had the same name. He was not the Richard Carpenter from Amesbury, Wiltshire, who was the father of William Carpenter who moved to America. He also wasn't the Richard Carpenter who was a vicar in Poling, who lived in Europe for a while and died around 1670 in Aylesbury.

See also

• Find A Grave entry for Rev. Richard Carpenter