Richard Heyrick facts for kids

Richard Heyrick (1600 – 1667) was an important clergyman in the Church of England. He served as the leader, called a warden, of the Manchester Collegiate Church.

Early Life and Education

Richard Heyrick was born in London on September 9, 1600. He was a cousin to the famous poet, Robert Herrick. His father, Sir William Hericke, was a successful businessman in London.

Richard went to Merchant Taylors' School in London. Later, he studied at St. John's College, Oxford, starting in 1617. He earned his first degree in 1619 and a master's degree in 1622.

Becoming a Church Leader

With a special recommendation from the King, Richard became a fellow at All Souls College in 1625. Around this time, he became a priest. In 1626, he became the rector (a type of priest) of North Repps in Norfolk.

His father had lent money to King James I. As a way to settle this, King Charles I promised Richard the future position of warden at Manchester Collegiate Church. Richard became the warden in 1635.

Role in the Church and Politics

In 1641, Richard Heyrick published a book of sermons. In these sermons, he spoke strongly against certain religious groups. He became a key leader of the Presbyterian group in Lancashire.

Working for Peace

In 1642, Richard helped write a message from Lancashire to King Charles I. This message offered to help the King and Parliament find a peaceful solution to their disagreements.

The Parliament chose Richard as one of the religious leaders for Lancashire. His job was to advise on how the Church should be run. He also helped decide if other ministers were teaching correctly.

Establishing Presbyterianism

Richard was very important in setting up the Presbyterian system in Lancashire in 1646. He wrote a book called Harmonious Consent, which showed that ministers in Lancashire agreed with ministers in London on church matters.

He often led meetings of the Lancashire synod (a church council). He worked hard to make sure good and religious ministers were in place.

Defending Church Rights

Richard also preached before the House of Commons in 1646. In his sermon, he talked about how important Manchester was to the country. He also spoke about how the Church's ministers in Manchester were struggling financially.

He was a strong supporter of the Manchester Collegiate Church. He fought to get back the Church's money, which Parliament had taken away in 1645. Even when the church body was dissolved in 1650, he kept his job as a minister in Manchester.

Loyalty and Later Life

Richard Heyrick was always loyal to the King. He often spoke out against the growing power of the Independents, who wanted a republic instead of a king.

In 1651, he was arrested because he was thought to be involved in a plan to bring King Charles II back to power. He was put in prison in London. However, he was later pardoned and released, possibly with help from George Booth.

When King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, Richard was very happy. He gave a sermon celebrating this event. He continued to be the warden of Manchester Collegiate Church until he died. He also held other church positions in Cheshire before 1662.

Family Life

Richard Heyrick was married twice. His first wife was Helen Corbet. They had seven children together.

In 1642, he married his second wife, Anna Maria Hall, who was a widow. They had six children.

Death and Legacy

Richard Heyrick passed away on August 6, 1667, at the age of 67. He was buried in the Manchester Collegiate Church. A long Latin message was written on his monument by his friend, Thomas Case.

People remembered Richard as a good scholar and a powerful speaker. He was a dedicated man, even if he sometimes had a quick temper. His friend, Henry Newcome, praised him as a "much honoured brother and faithful fellow-labourer" in Manchester.