Roger Kelke facts for kids

Roger Kelke (born 1524, died 1576) was an important English church leader and a smart university teacher. He had to leave England for a while during the time of Queen Mary I. Later, he became the head, or Master, of Magdalene College, Cambridge starting in 1558. He also held the church role of Archdeacon of Stow from 1563.

Early Life and Studies

Roger Kelke studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1544. He then got his master's degree (M.A.) in 1547. Around 1545, he was chosen as a "fellow" at St John's. This meant he was a senior member of the college. He also became a preacher there in 1552.

Leaving and Returning to England

When Queen Mary I came to power, Roger Kelke left England. He was one of many Protestants who had to leave. They are known as "Marian exiles." His name was on a list of exiles in Zürich in 1554.

When Queen Elizabeth I became queen, Kelke returned to Cambridge. In 1558, he was chosen as the Lady Margaret preacher for the university. This job meant he had to give six sermons each year. These sermons were in different places in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.

Leading Magdalene College

On November 1, 1558, Kelke was made the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. This meant he was in charge of the college. He stayed in this important role until he died. He was also chosen again as a senior fellow at St John's College.

Work in Ipswich

In 1560, the town of Ipswich asked Kelke to be their town preacher. People in Ipswich liked his religious ideas. He preached there often. He helped John Dawes become the master of Ipswich grammar school. This connection brought students from Ipswich to Magdalene College. One of these students was Adam Winthrop, whose son John Winthrop became a famous leader in America.

University Roles and Challenges

Kelke was considered for the Master role at St John's College twice. This happened in 1563 and 1569. In 1563, he was actually chosen, but another person was preferred by William Cecil.

In 1563, he also became the Archdeacon of Stow. The next year, he earned his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree.

Roger Kelke also served as the university's Vice-Chancellor twice. This is a very important leadership role. He held it for a few months in 1567. He then held it again for the school year of 1571–1572. During this time, he mostly lived in Ipswich.

In 1564, the Duke of Norfolk helped Kelke get money. This money was used to finish building parts of Magdalene College.

Later Life and Death

Roger Kelke passed away on January 6, 1576. He was buried in the church of Great St Mary's Church, Cambridge. His tombstone mentioned his preaching and strong religious beliefs.

Family Life

Roger Kelke's will, written in 1575, mentioned his wife, Rose. It also named his daughter, Abigail. He had a brother named Francis and a nephew named Christopher. His daughter Abigail later married Nicholas Farrer.