Thomas Walker (academic) facts for kids
Thomas Walker was an important person at Oxford University a long time ago. He was a leader there, like a principal, and was in charge of University College, Oxford two times. He lived in the 1600s and passed away on December 5, 1665.
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Who Was Thomas Walker?
Thomas Walker was a smart and respected scholar. He was a Fellow at St John's College, Oxford, which means he was a senior member and teacher there. On August 31, 1632, he was chosen to be the Master of University College. This was a big job, and he had the help of the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, who was a very high-ranking official.
Challenges During the English Civil War
Life in England became very difficult in the 1640s because of a big conflict called the English Civil War. This war started in 1642 and was fought between the King's supporters (called Royalists) and the Parliament's supporters.
At University College, they had started building a new dining hall in 1640. But the war stopped all the construction work.
Walker's Removal and Return
Because of the war, things changed a lot at Oxford University. On July 8, 1648, some people, including another person named Obadiah Walker, were forced to leave the university. This happened because they supported the King (they were Royalists).
Just two days later, on July 10, Thomas Walker, the Master, was also removed from his position. A new person, Joshua Hoyle, took his place during a time when England was ruled by Parliament, known as the Commonwealth.
However, when the King returned to power in 1660, a time called the English Restoration, Thomas Walker was able to come back as Master of University College. He stayed in this role until he died in 1665. He even wrote in the College's records, saying that he was removed by "unlawful visitors" in July 1648.
Family and Burial
Thomas Walker was married to a woman named Jane Robinson. Her aunt was the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was a very important religious leader in England. After he passed away, Thomas Walker was buried in a church called St Peter's-in-the-East in Oxford.
