Robert Pink facts for kids

Robert Pink (also known as Pinck, Pincke, or Pinke) was an important English church leader and scholar. He lived from 1573 to 1647. He was a strong supporter of William Laud, a powerful figure in the church. Robert Pink became the leader, or Warden, of New College at Oxford University. Later, during a time of civil war, he supported the King and was put in prison by the Parliament.

Robert Pink's Early Life and Education

Robert Pink was born in 1573 in Hampshire, England. He was the oldest son of Henry Pink. Robert started his education at Winchester College in 1588. This was a famous school.

In 1594, when he was 19, he joined New College at Oxford University. This is called "matriculating." He became a "Fellow" of the college in 1596. A Fellow is like a senior member or teacher. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1598. Then, in 1602, he earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree.

Becoming a Leader at Oxford

In 1610, Robert Pink became a "proctor" at Oxford. Proctors helped keep order in the university. In 1612, he earned a Bachelor of Medicine degree.

He was chosen as the "Warden" of New College in 1617. The Warden is the head of the college. Two years later, in 1619, he earned his Bachelor of Divinity (BD) and Doctor of Divinity (DD) degrees. These are high degrees in religious studies. From 1620, he also served as a "rector," which is a church leader, in a town called Stanton St John.

Working with William Laud

Robert Pink was a close friend and helper of William Laud. Laud was trying to make changes to Oxford University. Pink was part of a group that helped write new rules for the university. In 1634, Laud chose Pink to be the "Vice-Chancellor" of Oxford. This is a very important job, like being the main leader of the whole university. He held this job for two years. In 1639, Pink also helped the Vice-Chancellor close down too many pubs, or "alehouses," near the university.

The English Civil War and Imprisonment

When the English Civil War began, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford left. Robert Pink was chosen to take over his duties as "Pro-Vice-Chancellor." This meant he was the deputy leader.

Pink started getting the university ready for war. He checked the weapons the colleges had. He also trained the students. In August 1642, he held a practice drill at New College. He tried to get the city of Oxford to build defenses with the university.

However, some people who supported Parliament, like William Fiennes, threatened to attack Oxford. Pink went to talk with the Parliament's leaders. They sent him to London to explain his actions to Parliament. Before he left, he asked the university's Chancellor, Philip Herbert, to protect Oxford.

The House of Commons, which is part of Parliament, arrested him. On November 17, he was ordered to be held at Winchester House. But on January 5, 1643, he was allowed to go free on bail.

Later Life and Legacy

By 1644, Robert Pink was back in Oxford. He helped two scholars, Isaac Barrow and Peter Gunning, find places to live and work. These scholars had been forced to leave Cambridge University because they would not agree with a certain promise called the "covenant."

Robert Pink passed away on November 2, 1647. He was buried in the chapel at New College. Years later, in 1677, a monument was put up for him there. Pink was a generous person who gave money and support to both New College and Winchester College. After he died, a small book of poems was published in his honor in 1648.

Robert Pink's Writings

Robert Pink wrote a book called Quaestiones Selectiores in Logica, Ethica, Physica, Metaphysica inter authores celebriores repertae. It was published in 1680. This book was a collection of important ideas about "scholastic philosophy." This was a way of thinking and learning that was popular at the time. The book was used by students at Oxford for their debates and discussions.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Pinck, Robert". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.