Walter Cradock facts for kids

Walter Cradock (born around 1606, died 1659) was an important Welsh religious leader. He started as a clergyman in the Anglican Church. Later, he became a traveling preacher who shared his religious beliefs widely.

In 1638, Walter Cradock helped start the very first Independent church in Wales. This church was in a place called Llanvaches. He worked with William Wroth and William Thomas to make this happen.

Walter Cradock's Journey

Early Life and Challenges

Walter Cradock was born in Trefela, near Llangwm, Monmouthshire, Wales. People believe he studied at the University of Oxford. His first job was as a curate, which is a type of assistant clergyman, in Peterston-super-Ely, Glamorgan.

In 1633, Walter Cradock and two other preachers, William Erbery and William Wroth, faced trouble. They were reported to a powerful court called the Court of High Commission. This court removed them from their jobs. They were accused of preaching in ways that were not allowed. They also refused to read a book called the Book of Sports, which was a test of their loyalty.

Spreading New Ideas

After this, Cradock spent almost a year in Wrexham starting in late 1634. He preached there and inspired a person named Morgan Llwyd to join his beliefs. From Wrexham, Cradock moved to Herefordshire. There, he met another important preacher, Vavasor Powell.

Cradock, Erbery, Powell, Llwyd, and John Miles became known as key leaders. They helped create many of the later Nonconformist churches in Wales. These included different groups like Baptist, Congregationalist, Presbyterian, and Quaker churches.

During this time, Cradock also spent time in Shrewsbury. In 1639, a kind man named Sir Robert Harley offered Cradock a place to stay. Cradock then moved to Llanfair Waterdine, where he helped start another independent church group.

Moving During Conflict

When the English Civil War began, the church group from Llanvaches had to move. They went with Cradock to Bristol. In Bristol, there was already an independent church at a place called Broadmead.

However, in 1643, royalist forces took control of Bristol. So, some of the group moved again, this time to London. There, they connected with Henry Jessey, who had supported their church from the beginning. Cradock even preached with Jessey in London.

A Voice for Wales

In 1641, the Long Parliament (a powerful government group) approved Cradock and other preachers for Wales. This group included Erbery, Ambrose Mostyn, Richard Symonds, and Henry Walter. These Welsh leaders worked closely together. They were a strong group that spoke up for their beliefs until the mid-1650s.

The Parliament gave them permission to preach again in 1645 and 1646, and even provided money. It was also specifically asked that Symonds, Henry Walter, and Cradock preach in the Welsh language. Cradock had already shown he could do this in 1645. He preached to Welsh soldiers who had been captured after the battle of Naseby.

Later Years and Legacy

Walter Cradock was one of the "Welsh saints" who led troops for Thomas Harrison. He worked with Vavasor Powell and Jenkin Jones. Later, he became the regular preacher for a government group called Barebone's Parliament. He preached at St. Margaret's, Westminster.

Cradock supported Oliver Cromwell, a very important leader at the time. When people argued about Cromwell's rule, called the Protectorate, Cradock spoke out. He disagreed with a pamphlet written by Vavasor Powell that was against Cromwell. Most of the Welsh Puritan group, which Cradock had helped start, agreed with him. After this, Cradock moved to a church in Llangwm.

Walter Cradock's Writings

Walter Cradock wrote several books about his religious ideas. Here are some of them:

• The Saints Fulnesse of Joy (1646)
• Gospel-Libertie (1648)
• Mount Sion or the Privilege and Practice of the Saints (1649)
• Divine Drops (1650)
• Gospel-Holinesse (1655)