Thomas Hill (Cambridge) facts for kids

Thomas Hill was an important English religious leader who lived a long time ago, dying in 1653. He was born in a place called Kington, Herefordshire. He went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university, and earned several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1622, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1626, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) in 1633, and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1646.

Who Was Thomas Hill?

Thomas Hill was known as a Puritan divine. In his time, a "divine" was a religious scholar or a minister. Puritans were a group of people who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure." They believed in strict religious rules and a very serious way of life.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Hill grew up in Kington, Herefordshire, a town in England. Like many smart young people of his time, he went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. This college was well-known for its Puritan teachings. He spent many years studying there, earning different degrees that showed his deep knowledge in religion and other subjects.

From Church to University

For a while, Thomas Hill worked as a rector, which is a type of church leader, in a town called Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire. During this time, he met a young boy named John Dryden. Dryden later became a very famous poet and writer. It's interesting that Hill would later become the head of Trinity College, Cambridge, where Dryden also studied!

After his time as a rector, Hill decided to go back to university life. He became a Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. A Fellow is like a senior teacher or researcher at a college. In 1643, he became the Master of Emmanuel College. The Master is the main leader of the college, like a principal.

Speaking to Parliament

Thomas Hill was also a respected speaker. On July 27, 1642, he was asked to give a sermon, which is a religious speech, to the House of Commons. This was a very important group of people who helped govern England. He gave his speech at St Margaret's Westminster, a famous church in London. His sermon was titled The trade of truth advanced.

In October 1644, Hill was called upon again. This time, he was there to hear Prince Charles I Louis, Elector Palatine speak to the English Parliament. The Elector Palatine was a powerful prince from a region in Germany, and his visit was a big event.

Leading Trinity College

From 1645 until his death in 1653, Thomas Hill held another very important position. He became the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. Trinity College is one of the most famous and largest colleges at Cambridge University. Being its Master was a huge responsibility.

While he was Master of Trinity, he was also chosen for another big role: Vice-Chancellor of the entire University of Cambridge in 1646. The Vice-Chancellor is like the chief executive officer of the whole university, overseeing all the colleges and their activities. This shows how highly respected Thomas Hill was in his time.