Richard Turner (reformer) facts for kids

Richard Turner was an important English religious leader who lived a long time ago. He was a Protestant reformer, which means he wanted to change some things about the Christian church in England. He also had to leave England for a while during the time of Queen Mary I, who was sometimes called "Bloody Mary" because she was very strict with Protestants. He likely died around 1565.

Early Life and Education

Richard Turner was born in a place called Staffordshire, England. He went to college at Magdalen College, Oxford, which is a famous university. He studied there and later became a "Fellow," which means he was a senior member of the college.

Becoming a Religious Leader

After his studies, Richard Turner became a priest. In 1536, he was chosen to work at the king's chapel in Windsor. He was later made the rector (a type of priest) of a church in Chartham, Kent. Here, he started to move away from the traditional Catholic ways.

Challenges and Changes

Richard Turner strongly supported the king's power over the church. This helped him stay safe during the rule of Henry VIII. However, in 1543, some people tried to accuse him and others of not following certain religious laws. This attack was really aimed at Thomas Cranmer, a powerful religious leader who was friends with the king. Because of the king's support, the accusations against Turner and others did not lead to any punishment.

Facing Danger in Kent

In 1549, there was a lot of trouble in Kent. People were upset about the religious changes. Richard Turner bravely went to talk to the angry crowds. He preached to them, trying to calm them down. He was almost hanged by the rioters, but he managed to escape.

Working with Other Reformers

Turner was a busy man. In 1550, he became one of the "Six Preachers" at Canterbury Cathedral. He also suggested to John Marbeck, a musician, that he should create a special book. This book, published in 1550, helped people find verses in the English Bible more easily. Later, in 1551, Turner was given another important church job in Windsor. He also became the vicar of Dartford in Kent.

Declining a High Position

In 1552, Richard Turner was offered a very important job: to become the Archbishop of Armagh. This is a top religious leader position in Ireland. However, he turned it down. He said he didn't know the Irish language, which he felt was important for the role.

Exile and Return

When Queen Mary I became queen, she was a strong Catholic. Many Protestants, like Richard Turner, had to leave England to stay safe. This was known as being a "Marian exile."

Life in Exile

In 1555, while living in a city called Frankfurt, Turner joined other English people who had left their home country. They disagreed with some of the ideas of another famous reformer, John Knox. Knox had written things that were very critical of Queen Mary and other rulers. Turner and his friends pointed this out to the city leaders, and Knox was asked to leave.

Turner later lived in Basle, where he gave lectures about parts of the Bible. These lectures were thought to be good enough to be published, but they never were.

Coming Back to England

When Elizabeth I became queen, things changed again. She was a Protestant, so Richard Turner could safely return to England in 1559. He got his old job back as the vicar of Dartford. In 1560, he was chosen by Matthew Parker, a very important church leader, to help fix problems in churches in Kent. Richard Turner likely died in 1565, as someone else took over his job as vicar that year.