Thomas Lever facts for kids
Thomas Lever (born 1521, died 1577) was an important English Protestant leader. He was a reformer, meaning he wanted to change and improve the church. He was also a Marian exile, which means he had to leave England during the reign of Queen Mary I because of his Protestant beliefs. Thomas Lever was one of the people who helped start the Puritan movement within the Church of England.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Lever was born in Little Lever, a place in Lancashire, England. He went to St. John's College, Cambridge for his education. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1541 or 1542. Later, in 1543, he became a Fellow at the college, which is like being a senior member or a teacher. He received his master's degree (M.A.) in 1545.
A Leader at Cambridge
By 1547, Thomas Lever was a key figure at St. John's College. He and another theologian, Roger Hutchinson, led important discussions about church practices, like the Mass and transubstantiation. These were big topics of debate during the Protestant Reformation. Their ideas sometimes worried the college Master, William Bill.
Thomas Lever became well-known for his strong beliefs. He even preached in front of Edward VI, who was the King of England at the time, in 1550. From 1551 to 1553, Thomas Lever himself became the Master of St. John's College.
Exile and Return
When Queen Mary I came to the throne in 1553, she was a Catholic. Many Protestants, including Thomas Lever, had to leave England to avoid persecution. This is why they were called "Marian exiles."
Thomas Lever went to Zurich in Switzerland, where he became good friends with Heinrich Bullinger, another important Protestant reformer. He also visited Geneva, where he listened to lectures by John Calvin, a very famous Protestant leader.
While in exile, Thomas Lever tried to help find a solution during a big debate in Frankfurt about the Prayer Book. This debate, known as the Troubles at Frankfurt, involved different Protestant views, with John Knox and Richard Cox holding opposing ideas. Lever worked on a committee with Knox, William Whittingham, and Thomas Parry to try and find a compromise. When Knox left, Lever became the main pastor for the English exiles there.
Later, a group of English exiles in Wesel asked him to lead them. Thomas Lever took this group, which included about 100 working people, to Aarau in Switzerland.
After Queen Mary I died and Queen Elizabeth I became queen, Thomas Lever was able to return to England in 1559. He became a Rector (a church leader) and Archdeacon of Coventry. Later in his life, he faced some difficulties with the church authorities. However, the Earl of Leicester helped him by giving him a position as the Master of Sherburn Hospital.
Family Connections
Thomas Lever had a brother named Ralph Lever.
