Thomas Cawton facts for kids
Thomas Cawton (born 1605, died 1659) was an English church leader. He had strong beliefs about how the church should be run. He also supported the King. Because of some political trouble, he had to leave England. He then lived in the Netherlands.
Thomas Cawton's Early Life
Thomas Cawton was born in 1605. His hometown was Rainham in Norfolk, England. A kind supporter, Sir Roger Townshend, 1st Baronet, helped him. Sir Roger sent Thomas to Cambridge University. Thomas studied there for seven years.
After his time at Cambridge, Thomas learned more about religion. He studied with Herbert Palmer, a church leader. Later, Thomas worked for four years as a chaplain. He served Sir William Airmine, 1st Baronet. In 1637, Sir Roger Townshend helped him again. Thomas became the vicar of Wivenhoe in Essex. There, he convinced people not to sell fish on Sundays.
Challenges and Exile
Thomas Cawton married Elizabeth Jenkin. She was the daughter of William Jenkin, a preacher. Her brother, William Jenkin, was also a well-known minister. Seven years later, Thomas became a minister in London. He worked at St Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange.
Thomas joined other London ministers. They spoke out about the events surrounding King Charles. On February 25, 1649, he gave a sermon. He prayed for the royal family and for Charles II. Because of this, he was brought before the English government. He refused to change his views. So, he was sent to Gatehouse Prison.
Thomas was released from prison on August 14, 1649. This was a day of thanks for a victory by Michael Jones. Later, Thomas Cawton was involved in a plan. He and his brother-in-law, William Jenkin, wanted to support King Charles. Another person in this plan, Christopher Love, was executed in 1651. Thomas managed to escape to Holland.
Life in the Netherlands
In Holland, Thomas Cawton became the pastor of the English church. This church was in Rotterdam. He met many important scholars there. He worked to support the creation of two big books. One was Edmund Castell's Lexicon Heptaglotton. This was a dictionary of seven languages. The other was Brian Walton's polyglot bible. This Bible was written in many languages.
In 1658, King Charles II sent a letter to Thomas. The King asked Thomas to defend him among the Dutch ministers. Thomas Cawton died in Rotterdam on August 7, 1659. His son, Thomas Cawton the younger, also became famous. He was known for his knowledge of Eastern languages.
