Thomas Bradley (priest) facts for kids
Thomas Bradley was born around 1596 or 1597. His father was Henry Bradley from Wokingham in Berkshire. His mother was Barbara, whose father was Walter Lane from Reading.
Thomas Bradley went to Exeter College, Oxford for his education. He earned a special degree called a Doctor of Divinity. On March 5, 1631, he married Frances, who was the youngest daughter of John Savile, 1st Baron Savile of Pontefract.
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Early Career and Royal Connections
Thomas Bradley started his career working for important people. He was a chaplain to George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. A chaplain is like a religious advisor. He traveled with the Duke to places like the Île de Ré and La Rochelle.
In 1628, he became a chaplain to King Charles I. This was a very important role.
Life During the English Civil War
In 1630, Thomas Bradley became the Rector of Castleford. A rector is a priest in charge of a church and its area. Later, in 1643, he also became the Rector of Ackworth.
His churches were in a part of Yorkshire that strongly supported the King. People who supported the King were called Royalists. During the Siege of Pontefract in 1644, he preached to the Royalist soldiers. These soldiers were led by Sir George Wentworth.
However, in 1645, soldiers who supported Parliament took over Ackworth. These soldiers were called Parliamentarians. Thomas Bradley lost his church roles and his home. He and his family faced many difficulties during this time. This period was known as the Interregnum.
It is believed that he was with King Charles I when the King was executed in 1649.
Later Life and Legacy
After the Commonwealth of England ended in 1660, Thomas Bradley got his church role back at Ackworth. He continued his work there.
In 1666, he did something special for his community. He started two almshouses in Ackworth. Almshouses are special homes for poor or elderly people.
He retired from his church duties in 1672. Thomas Bradley passed away on October 10, 1673.
Books He Wrote
Thomas Bradley wrote several books, mostly sermons. Here are some of them:
- Comfort from the cradle, as well as from the crosse of Christ, 2 sermons (Oxford, 1650)
- A præsent for Cæsar, of 100000 l. in hand and 50000 l. a year (London, 1658)
- A sermon ad clerum (York, 1663)
- Nosce te ipsum, in a comparison between the first, and second Adam (York, 1668)
- Elijah's nunc dimittis. Or the authors own funerall sermons (York, 1669)
- Elijah's epitaph, and the motto of all mortalls (York, 1670)
