Robert Hill (priest) facts for kids

Robert Hill, 17th-century engraving.

Robert Hill (died 1623) was an English church leader. He was known as a "conforming Puritan." This means he held Puritan beliefs but still followed the rules and practices of the Church of England.

Robert Hill's Life Story

Robert Hill was born in Ashbourne, a town in Derbyshire, England. He studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1584 and his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1586.

Early Career and Studies

Around 1588 or 1589, he became a fellow at St. John's College, Cambridge. From about 1591 to 1602, he served as a church leader (perpetual curate) at St Andrew's Church, Norwich. He noticed that Norwich was a place with many sermons and religious teachings.

In 1595, Hill earned his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree. By 1601, he was working as a chaplain for John Popham, a very important judge. In 1605, he also became part of the University of Oxford.

Moving to London

In 1602, Robert Hill became a lecturer at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. A few years later, in 1607, he became the rector (head priest) of St. Margaret Moyses church. In 1609, he earned his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree.

In 1613, a powerful official named Lord Chancellor Ellesmere appointed Hill to lead the church of St. Bartholomew Exchange. This was a well-supported position, so he left his other church role.

Family Life and Passing

Robert Hill passed away in August 1623. He was buried next to his first wife in the church of St. Bartholomew, as he had wished. He was married twice. His first wife, Margaret, died in 1615. His second wife, Susan, lived longer than he did.

Robert Hill's Writings

Robert Hill wrote several books and helped publish others. His works often focused on Christian faith and guidance.

Main Books

• Life everlasting: This book was about understanding God and Jesus. It gathered ideas from many religious thinkers of his time. It was published in Cambridge in 1601.
• Christs Prayer expounded: This book was a guide to prayer and preparing for the Lord's Supper (communion). He later made a much larger version called The Pathway to Prayer and Pietie. This expanded book included sections on how to pray, how to prepare for communion, how to live a Christian life, and how to prepare for death.

Other Contributions

Robert Hill also translated a book from Latin by William Bucanus called Institvtions of Christian Religion in 1606. He also edited a book by William Perkins about the first three chapters of the Revelation in the Bible.

In 1612, he helped complete an unfinished work by Richard Greenham called An Exposition of the 119 Psalme. Hill also gathered and published sermons and lectures by Samuel Hieron in 1620.