Walter Raleigh (priest) facts for kids

Walter Raleigh (born 1586, died 1646) was an important English church leader. He served as the Dean of Wells Cathedral starting in 1641. Sadly, he died after an accident while he was a prisoner in his own home.

A Life in the Church

Walter Raleigh was born into a well-known family. His uncle was the famous Sir Walter Raleigh. Walter went to school at Winchester and then studied at Oxford University. He earned his first degree in 1605 and a master's degree in 1608.

After his studies, Walter Raleigh became a priest. In 1618, he became a chaplain to a powerful nobleman, the Earl of Pembroke. Over the years, he was given several important church positions. These included being a rector in places like Chedzoy and Wilton. Around 1630, King Charles I chose him as one of his own chaplains. The King liked Raleigh's sermons. In 1641, Raleigh became the Dean of Wells, a very important role in the church.

During the English Civil War, Raleigh was a strong supporter of King Charles I. People who supported the King were called Royalists. Those who supported Parliament were called Parliamentarians or Roundheads. While Raleigh was with the King, Parliamentarian soldiers attacked his home in Chedzoy. They stole his belongings and forced his family out.

Later, Raleigh returned to Chedzoy. But after a big battle in Langport in 1645, the King's side lost. Raleigh had to flee to Bridgwater. When Bridgwater fell to the Parliamentarians, Raleigh surrendered. He was taken prisoner and sent back to Chedzoy. Because he was weak, he was allowed to stay in his own house, but he was still a prisoner.

His Final Days

After the main Parliamentarian leaders left, Raleigh faced more trouble. He was moved from Chedzoy to other prisons, including the county jail in Ilchester. Finally, he was taken to the deanery in Wells. Here, he was put under the care of a shoemaker named David Barrett.

Walter Raleigh was treated very harshly. He was badly hurt in a struggle with Barrett. He died on October 10, 1646. He was buried in Wells Cathedral, right in front of the dean's special seat.

His Writings

Walter Raleigh's family kept his papers safe. Later, thirteen of his sermons were published in a book in 1679. The book was called Reliquiæ Raleighanæ. It included a short story about his life. People who read his sermons praised his quick thinking and good speaking skills.

Family Life

Between 1620 and 1623, Walter Raleigh married Maria Gibbs. During the difficult time of the Civil War, Maria and her husband found safety at Downton, a family home.