Thomas Hancorne (1642 – 1731) facts for kids

Thomas Hancorne (1642 – 1731) was a Welsh church leader and religious scholar. He believed in a "High Church" style of Christianity. This meant he focused on traditional ceremonies, practices, and rules in his church work.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Hancorne was born in 1642. His father was Samuel Hancorne from Aber Lleury, in a place called Breconshire. His mother's name was Elizabeth.

Thomas began studying at St Alban Hall, Oxford on May 23, 1667. He worked hard and earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree on March 4, 1671. A year later, on March 3, 1672, he officially became a priest. This was done by a bishop named Francis Davies.

Church Work and Roles

Thomas Hancorne held several important positions in the church. On July 13, 1674, he became the rector of St Donats. A rector is like the main priest in charge of a church and its area. Later, on December 16, 1681, he also became the rector of Llandow.

He was also appointed as the curate of Monknash on November 17, 1687. A curate is a priest who helps the main priest. Thomas Hancorne stayed in all these roles until 1707.

Speaking Out and Restoring Churches

On April 18, 1710, Thomas Hancorne gave an important speech in Swansea. This speech was called The right way to honour and happiness. In his speech, he talked about his worries. He felt that new ideas were spreading too quickly. These ideas included "deist" views, which question traditional religion. He also worried about "freethinking" and "anti-trinitarian views," which are different ways of thinking about God.

He spoke strongly against things he saw as wrong. These included "irreligion" (not being religious), "profaneness" (not respecting sacred things), and "immorality" (bad behavior). He also mentioned "curious, inquisitive sceptics," who were people who doubted things and asked many questions.

Thomas Hancorne also worked to make sure churches received their "tithes." Tithes were like a tax, often a tenth of someone's income, given to support the church.

He is also remembered for helping to fix up the Church of the Holy Trinity, Llandow. He worked on restoring the chancel, which is the part of the church where the altar is, in 1712.

Later, on June 17, 1718, he was given another important role. He became a "prebendary" of Llandaff Cathedral. This was a special position that he kept until he passed away.

Later Life and Family

Thomas Hancorne died in February 1731. He was buried on February 28 in Monknash.

He and his wife had three children. One son was also a Reverend, named Thomas Hancorne. Another son, Edward Hancorne, worked as an agent and solicitor. He married Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Mansel, 1st Baron Mansel. Their third son was the Reverend Richard Hancorne. Richard also became a rector, serving in the areas of Barry and Sully.