Robert Harrison (Brownist) facts for kids

Robert Harrison was an English school teacher who lived a long time ago. He became an important religious leader. He was part of a group called the Protestant Separatists. These were people who wanted to separate from the main Church of England. They were also known as Brownists, named after another leader, Robert Browne.

Robert Harrison's Life Story

Early Years and Education

Robert Harrison started his studies at St John's College, Cambridge in 1564. He later moved to Corpus Christi College. He earned his first degree in 1567 and a master's degree in 1572.

Becoming a Schoolmaster

In 1573, Harrison wanted to become the head teacher at a grammar school in Aylsham, Norfolk. Some important people from Norwich recommended him. They had to explain why Harrison had disagreed with using the Book of Common Prayer at his own wedding. This book was used for church services.

The bishop, John Parkhurst, was not happy about this. He had warned Harrison before. But after people from Aylsham asked him, the bishop finally agreed. However, Harrison soon asked for changes to the baptism service. Because of this, the bishop removed him from his job in January 1574.

Joining Robert Browne

Harrison went back to Cambridge. He thought about becoming a priest in the Church of England. But his friend, Robert Browne, convinced him not to.

Later, Harrison became the head of a hospital in Norwich. Robert Browne visited him there and stayed with him and his wife. Browne said that Harrison was one of his most important helpers. Harrison fully agreed with Browne's ideas. They both spent a lot of time preaching and gathering a group of followers in Norwich.

Moving to Middelburg

In 1581, the bishop of Norwich, Edmund Freke, complained about Browne and Harrison. Because of these problems, their whole group decided to move. They went to Middelburg in Zeeland (which is now part of the Netherlands) in the autumn of that year.

Harrison said he was put in prison before he left England. In Middelburg, they could worship freely. They wrote books explaining their beliefs. These books were sent secretly to England. Two men were even hanged for sharing them. The king also made a rule against these "Brownist" books in 1583. Harrison paid for most of the printing of these books.

Disagreements and Death

However, problems started among the people in Middelburg. Robert Browne disagreed with Harrison. Browne then left for Scotland with some followers in late 1583. Harrison stayed as the leader of the group. He tried to join his group with another English church led by Thomas Cartwright. But this effort was not successful.

Robert Harrison died around 1585.

Robert Harrison's Writings

Harrison wrote some of the books that were not allowed in England:

• A Little Treatise uppon the firste verse of the 122nd Psalm: This book was about how churches should be run. It was printed in 1583.
• Three formes of Catechismes: This book contained three different ways to teach the main points of religion. It was also printed in 1583.

He also wrote a book called An Answere to Master Cartwright his Letter for joyning with the English Churches. This was a reply to a letter from Thomas Cartwright.

Harrison is also thought to have written or translated other works:

• Of Ghostes and Spirites walking by night: This was a translation of a book about ghosts and spirits by Ludwig Lavater. It was published in 1572.
• A boke of the forme of common prayers: This book was about how to conduct common prayers and church services. It was published in 1586.

He might also have written Master R. H. His letter to the B. of Norwich in 1576.

A book called A Theologicall Discourse of the Lamb of God and His enemies was once thought to be by Harrison. But it was actually written by Richard Harvey.