Thomas Goodrich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Ely | |
 |
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| Church | Church of England / Roman Catholic |
| Enthroned | 1534 |
| Reign ended | 10 May 1554 |
| Predecessor | Nicholas West |
| Successor | Thomas Thirlby |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 19 April 1534 by Thomas Cranmer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 10 May 1554 |
Sir Thomas Goodrich (died May 10, 1554) was an important English church leader and government official. He served as the Bishop of Ely from 1534 until he passed away.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Goodrich was born in East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, England. His father was Edward Goodrich. He also had a brother named Henry Goodricke.
Thomas went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge for his education. After that, he became a fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge. A "fellow" is like a senior member or teacher at a college.
Working for King Henry VIII
Goodrich was one of the experts asked about King Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Around 1530, he became one of the king's personal chaplains.
In 1534, he became the Bishop of Ely. He was officially made a bishop by Thomas Cranmer, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Goodrich supported the Protestant Reformation. This was a big change in the church. In 1537, he helped create a book called Institution of a Christian Man. He also helped translate the Gospel of St John for a new version of the New Testament.
Helping King Edward VI
When King Edward VI became king in 1547, Bishop Goodrich became a privy councillor. This meant he was an important advisor to the king. He played a big part in government during Edward VI's rule.
Historian Gilbert Burnet described him as a "busy secular spirited man." This means he was very involved in worldly affairs and government. He tried to find a middle ground between the very strong supporters of the "old" and "new" religions.
Goodrich helped write the First Prayer Book of Edward VI. This book changed how church services were held. He also helped with the trial of Stephen Gardiner, another bishop. In January 1552, he became the Lord High Chancellor. This was a very powerful job, like being the chief judge and head of the government's legal system.
Later Life
Thomas Goodrich continued to be Lord High Chancellor even when Lady Jane Grey was briefly queen in July 1553. However, when Queen Mary I came to power, he made peace with her.
He agreed to return to the Catholic Church, which Queen Mary supported. He lost his job as Lord High Chancellor, but he was allowed to keep his position as Bishop of Ely until he died. He was buried in Ely Cathedral.
