Thomas Bedford (historian) facts for kids

Thomas Bedford (died 1773) was a church historian and a special kind of priest called a nonjuror. He was the second son of Hilkiah Bedford, who was a nonjuring bishop. Nonjurors were people who refused to swear loyalty to the new king and queen after the Glorious Revolution in 1688. They believed the previous king was still the rightful ruler.

Thomas Bedford's Life

Early Years and Education

Thomas Bedford went to Westminster School when he was young. Later, in May 1724, he went to St. John's College, Cambridge. He was admitted as a sizar, which meant he received financial help from the college. In return, he often had to do certain duties.

However, Thomas did not finish his degree at Cambridge. This was because he was a nonjuror. To get a degree, he would have had to swear an oath of loyalty to King George I. He refused to do this because of his beliefs.

Becoming a Nonjuring Priest

On December 27, 1731, Thomas became a priest in the nonjuring Church of England. Bishop Henry Gandy ordained him. After this, he became a chaplain for Sir John Cotton, 4th Baronet, of Connington's family. He lived with Sir John Cotton for a while, even in a place called Angers.

In 1736, Thomas returned to England. He then lived in County Durham. His sister was married to George Smith, who was also a nonjuring bishop. George Smith's father, Dr. John Smith, was famous for editing the writings of Bede, an important historian.

His Work as a Historian

While in Durham, Thomas Bedford worked on a book by Symeon of Durham. The book was called De Exordio atque Procursu Dunhelmensis Ecclesiæ libellus. Thomas believed he was working from an original old manuscript. He also added more information to the book, continuing the story up to the year 1164. He included a part about how Bishop William was treated badly by King Rufus.

A scholar named Thomas Rudd wrote an introduction for the book. This book was published in 1732, and people could buy it by subscribing beforehand.

Later Life and Writings

In late 1741, Thomas Bedford moved to Compton, near Ashbourne, in Derbyshire. He took over leading the local nonjuring community there. He received £40 a year for this work. He continued in this role until 1773. He became one of the very last nonjuring priests in England.

In 1742, he wrote an historical catechism. A catechism is a book of questions and answers, often used for teaching religious beliefs. His first edition was based on a book by Abbé Fleury. However, he changed the second edition so much that he removed Fleury's name from the title.

Thomas Bedford was friends with Ellis Farneworth, who was a translator. It is said that Thomas translated Fleury's Short History of the Israelites for Farneworth. He did this to help his friend, who was having money problems. Thomas Bedford lived in Compton until he passed away in February 1773. In his will, he left money to his relatives and other nonjurors. This included £20 for the children of Dr. Thomas Deacon, who was a nonjuring bishop in Manchester.