Thomas Bladen (priest) facts for kids
Thomas Bladen (born 1615, died 1695) was an Anglo-Irish priest who lived a long time ago in the 1600s. His family, led by his father William Bladen, had a business in London that printed and sold books. In 1626, they moved to Dublin, Ireland, to live with other Protestant families.
Thomas went to Trinity College Dublin from 1631 to 1637. He studied hard and became a Doctor of Divinity, which is a high degree in religious studies. During a big event called the Irish Rebellion of 1641, Thomas was safe inside Geashill Castle. He was there with the Digby family, including Lady Offaly.
Thomas Bladen's Career
On March 25, 1645, Thomas became the Vicar of St Margaret's Church in Rainham, Kent, England. A vicar is a type of priest who leads a local church. He stayed in this job for ten years. After that, he moved back to Ireland. There, he became a minister in Duleek.
In 1658, he was made a Minister in Drogheda. Two years later, in 1660, he became a Prebend of Dunlavin at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. A prebend is a special type of church official. He was also a Prebend at St John the Evangelist Church in Dublin. He held this position until he died 35 years later.
In 1662, Thomas was appointed Rector of several churches. These included churches in Kilskeire (County Meath), Killallon, Daimer, and Grilly. Just three months later, he became a Chaplain-in-Ordinary to the Duke of Ormond. The Duke was the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, a very important leader.
When his father passed away in 1663, Thomas took over the family's printing and book-selling business. This business had offices in both Castle Street, Dublin and in London. In 1666, he was appointed Dean of Ardfert in West Ireland. A dean is a senior priest in charge of a cathedral or group of churches. In 1681, he served as Dean of St. Andrew's in Dublin.
The Family Printing Business
After his father's death in 1663, Thomas took charge of the Bladen family's printing and book-selling business. This business had locations in both Dublin and London. Thomas mainly supervised the business while continuing his work as a priest.
His father had once held the special title of "King's Printer." This meant he had a monopoly, or exclusive right, to print for the king. Later, he was the "Commonwealth Printer." However, Thomas was never able to get this special title back. After a period known as the Restoration, other printers were also allowed to print, so the market became more competitive.
Thomas Bladen's Family Life
Thomas Bladen was married three times. His first marriage was to Martha Spencer on August 8, 1650, in London. His second marriage was to Catherine Turner on March 17, 1657, in Dublin. Catherine passed away in 1690.
Within a year of Catherine's death, Thomas married his last wife, Hon. Sarah Blayney. Sarah was the daughter of Henry, 2nd Lord Blayney. In 1680, the family lived at Glebe House in Dublin. Thomas had many children. One of his sons, Charles, married Letitia Loftus in 1680.
