Robert Ram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Soldiers Catechism |
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 The Souldiers Catechisme
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Robert Ram (around 1595-1656) was an Anglican priest in the early 1600s. An Anglican priest is a leader in the Church of England. Robert was the younger son of Thomas Ram, who was a Bishop in Ireland. A Bishop is a high-ranking church leader.
Robert Ram: Early Life and Education
Robert Ram studied at Trinity College Dublin, a famous university in Ireland. He earned his first degree in 1611 and a higher degree in 1614. In 1615, he became a Fellow at the college. A Fellow is like a senior member or teacher at a university. He also studied at the University of Cambridge in England that same year.
In 1626, Robert Ram became the Vicar of a church called St Mary and St Nicolas in Spalding. A Vicar is the priest in charge of a church parish. In 1637, he helped create a library for his parish. The books from this library are now looked after by the Spalding Gentlemen's Society.
Robert Ram During the English Civil War
The English Civil War was a big conflict in England between 1642 and 1651. It was fought between the King's supporters, called Cavaliers or Royalists, and the Parliament's supporters, called Roundheads or Parliamentarians.
During this war, Royalist soldiers took Robert Ram from his home. They held him hostage in a place called Crowland. In April 1643, he was rescued by Parliamentarian soldiers. These soldiers were led by Sir Miles Hubbard, Sir Anthony Irby, and the famous Oliver Cromwell. This happened after a battle known as the siege of Crowland.
In 1645, Robert Ram became a Chaplain for Colonel Sir Edward Rossiter's Lincolnshire Cavalry Regiment. A Chaplain is a priest who serves with a military unit.
The Soldier's Catechism
Robert Ram is well-known for writing a book called The Soldiers’ Catechism. This book was given to soldiers in the New Model Army. The New Model Army was the main army of the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. The book was given out along with The Souldiers Pocket Bible, which was put together by Edmund Calamy the Elder.
The Soldier's Catechism was a very important book. In 1684, a writer named John Turner said that the book was a key reason for the major changes that happened to King Charles I. This shows how much influence Robert Ram's writing had during that time.
Robert Ram went back to his church duties in May 1646. He continued to live and work in Spalding until he passed away in March 1656.
