Richard Minshull facts for kids

Richard Minshull (died 1686) was an important English scholar. He became the leader, called the Master, of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge in 1643.

Richard Minshull was born in London and started studying at Sidney Sussex College in 1616. He earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1620 and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1623. Later, he also received higher degrees in Divinity.

Becoming the Master

In 1643, Richard Minshull was chosen to be the Master of Sidney Sussex College. This was a big deal because it was the first time the college's own teachers, called Fellows, got to pick their leader. Before this, the Masters were usually chosen by people from outside the college.

The election was very close. On September 13, 1643, eleven Fellows met to vote. There were two main candidates: Herbert Thorndike, who was a Royalist (meaning he supported King Charles I), and Richard Minshull, who was a Fellow of Sidney College and had the support of Oliver Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell was a very powerful leader for Parliament during the English Civil War.

A Tricky Election

The choice was difficult, but then something unusual happened. Soldiers led by Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester, who supported Parliament, got involved. They were in charge of the area around Cambridge. Even though there was some pressure from these soldiers, King Charles I still approved Minshull's appointment.

Richard Minshull stayed as Master for the rest of his life. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the university in 1652. The Vice-Chancellor is like the head of the entire university for a period of time.