Thomas Baker (antiquarian) facts for kids

Thomas Baker (born September 14, 1656, in Lanchester, Durham – died July 2, 1740) was an English historian who studied old things. People who study old things are called antiquarians.

Thomas Baker's Life

Thomas Baker was the grandson of Colonel Baker of Crook, Durham. His grandfather was famous for defending Newcastle upon Tyne during the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England.

Thomas went to school in Durham. Then he studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He later became a "fellow" there. A fellow is like a senior member or teacher at a college.

In 1687, a bishop named Lord Crew offered Thomas a job as a rector at Long Newton. A rector is a church leader. The bishop also wanted to give him another church job. But Thomas refused to read a special paper from King James II. This paper was called the Declaration of Indulgence. Because Thomas refused, the bishop was not happy with him.

Even though Thomas had disagreed with King James, he also refused to support the new King, William III. So, he had to leave his church job at Long Newton on August 1, 1690. He went back to St John's College. The college protected him for many years. But in 1717, he and 21 other fellows lost their positions.

Later, a new law called the Registering Act came out in 1723. Thomas had a small income of £40 a year. He also got £20 a year from his brother's coal mines. But he refused to register his income as the new law required.

Thomas felt he had been treated unfairly. So, in all his books, he wrote "socius ejectus." This means "fellow who was thrown out." In some books, he also wrote "rector ejectus," meaning "rector who was thrown out." He continued to live at the college until he died suddenly. He had collected many books and old papers. After he died, most of his collection was sold. But some books were given to St John's College.

Thomas Baker's Writings

Thomas Baker only published a few things. One was a book called Reflections on Learning. It talked about how human knowledge isn't enough and why religious ideas are important. He published this book without using his name. He also wrote the introduction for a sermon given by Bishop Fisher. This sermon was for Margaret, Countess of Richmond and Derby.

Thomas also collected many handwritten notes. These notes were about the history of Cambridge University. He filled 39 large books and three smaller ones with his research. These collections were split between the British Museum and the public library at Cambridge. The British Museum got 23 volumes, and Cambridge got 16 large ones and three smaller ones.

People later wrote books about Thomas Baker's life. These included books by Robert Masters and Horace Walpole.