Robert Tounson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Robert Tounson |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Salisbury | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Enthroned | 1620 |
| Reign ended | 1621 |
| Predecessor | Martin Fotherby |
| Successor | John Davenant |
| Other posts | Dean of Westminster |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1575 |
| Died | 1621 |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Occupation | Churchman |
Robert Tounson (born 1575, died 1621) was an important church leader in England. He was known by a few different spellings of his name, like Townson or Toulson. He served as the Dean of Westminster from 1617 to 1620. After that, he became the Bishop of Salisbury, a role he held from 1620 until he passed away in 1621. A notable moment in his life was being with Sir Walter Raleigh during his execution. Robert Tounson even wrote about how Raleigh acted at that time.
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Robert Tounson's Early Life and Education
Robert Tounson was baptized on January 8, 1576, in Cambridge, England. He started his studies at Queens' College, Cambridge, in 1587. He was a "sizar," which meant he received financial help for his education. In return, he often helped with tasks around the college.
University Degrees and Fellowships
He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1595. Soon after, in 1597, he was chosen as a "fellow" at Queens' College. This meant he was a senior member of the college, often involved in teaching and research. He also studied at University of Oxford. He earned his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree in 1602. Later, in 1613, he completed his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree.
Church Roles in Northamptonshire
In 1604, Robert Tounson became the vicar of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire. A vicar is a type of priest in charge of a church parish. Three years later, in 1607, he also became the rector of Old, another church in the same county. He held both these positions until 1620.
Robert Tounson's Important Church Positions
Robert Tounson became a Royal Chaplain, serving the King. This was a very respected position. In 1617, he was made the Dean of Westminster. The Dean is the head of Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London.
Attending Sir Walter Raleigh's Execution
While he was Dean, Robert Tounson visited Sir Walter Raleigh in prison. He was also present when Raleigh was executed. Tounson later wrote a letter describing Raleigh's calm behavior at the end of his life.
Becoming Bishop of Salisbury
In 1620, Robert Tounson was consecrated as the Bishop of Salisbury. To be consecrated means to be officially made a bishop in a special religious ceremony. He served as bishop for a short time. He passed away on May 15, 1621, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Robert Tounson's Family Life
Robert Tounson was the son of Renold Toulnesonn. He was also the uncle of Thomas Fuller, a famous English historian and writer. In 1604, Robert Tounson married Margaret Davenant. She was the sister of John Davenant, who later became the Bishop of Salisbury, taking over from Robert Tounson.
Children and Their Marriages
Robert and Margaret Tounson had several children. Two of their sons, Robert and John, later received important church positions in their uncle John Davenant's diocese. Their daughter Gertrude married James Harris. He was an ancestor of the Earls of Malmesbury. Another daughter, Mary, married Alexander Hyde.
