Thomas Pocock (clergyman) facts for kids
Thomas Pocock (1672–1745) was an English church leader who wrote a detailed journal about his life. He was also a respected member of the Royal Society, a famous group of scientists, elected in 1727.
Contents
Thomas Pocock's Life Story
Thomas Pocock was born in 1672. His father was also named Thomas Pocock, and his mother was Anne. His grandfather, Reverend Dr. Laurence Pocock, was a church leader in Brightwalton, England. Thomas went to Abingdon School and then studied at Pembroke College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1694 and a master's degree in 1698.
Thomas Pocock became a chaplain, which is a religious leader, for the navy. He served on a ship called HMS Ranelagh. This was during the time of the Battle of Málaga (1704), a big naval battle. Before that, he had served on HMS Orford starting in 1699. His journal mostly tells stories from these naval trips. He served as a naval chaplain again in 1711 on HMS Union.
Later Church Roles
After his time in the navy, Pocock became a rector in a town called Danbury in 1705. A rector is a leader in a church. In 1712, he became the rector of Latchingdon, another town in the same area. From 1716, he also served as a chaplain at the Royal Hospital, Greenwich. This hospital was a special place for retired sailors.
Thomas Pocock's Writings
Thomas Pocock wrote a few important things during his life:
- The Relief of Captives (1720): This was a sermon, which is a speech given in church.
- He translated a book called "Of the Term of Life, whether it is fixed or alterable" (1709). The original book was written by Menasseh Ben Israel.
- Parts of Pocock's personal journal were put together and published in 1889 by John Knox Laughton.
Thomas Pocock's Family
Thomas Pocock married a woman named Joyce Master. Her brother, James Master, was related to Streynsham Master, who was important in the early days of the English East India Company. This was a big trading company. Thomas Pocock's boss, Lord Torrington, married Joyce's sister, Margaret. Thomas and Joyce Pocock had nine children. Some of their notable children included:
- Admiral Sir George Pocock: A very high-ranking officer in the navy.
- Lieut. Richard Pocock: Also served in the navy.
- Sarah: She married Captain Philip Vincent, another naval officer.
- Beatrice: She married Reverend David Campbell, who was also a chaplain at Greenwich Hospital.
