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William Alley facts for kids

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St Paul's old. From Francis Bond, Early Christian Architecture. Last book 1913.
Engraving of Old St Paul's, where Alley served as a prebendary.

William Alley (also known as Alleyn or Alleigh) was an important church leader in England. He lived from about 1510 to 1570. William Alley served as the Bishop of Exeter when Queen Elizabeth I was in charge. He was part of the Anglican Church. In 1534, William Alley married Sybil Bodleigh. They had eight children together.

William Alley is also known for his book, Poor Man's Librarie. This book was printed in London in 1565. Its full title was Lectures upon the First Epistle of Saint Peter. These were talks he gave publicly at St Paul's Cathedral in London in 1560. The book also included helpful notes on different topics.

William Alley's Life Story

William Alley was born in Wycombe, Bucks. He went to school at Eton College. Later, he studied at both Cambridge and Oxford universities.

Becoming a Bishop

William Alley worked at St Paul's Cathedral in London. He was a "prebendary," which means he was a special priest there. Queen Elizabeth chose him to become the new Bishop of Exeter. The previous bishop had been removed.

On April 27, 1560, the Queen officially asked the church leaders in Exeter to elect him. This request was delivered on May 5. The election happened on May 20. William Alley officially became a bishop on July 14, 1560.

Exeter Cathedral (West End) 300px
Exeter Cathedral, Alley's burial place

Changes at Exeter Cathedral

When William Alley became bishop, the church in Exeter was not very rich. To help, he was given control of a church area called Honiton. He held church ceremonies there. He even performed ordinations, which is when new priests are appointed.

The money for the cathedral and its leaders was very low. So, Bishop Alley made a big change. With everyone's agreement and the Queen's permission, he reduced the number of canons. Canons were important church officials. He changed the number from twenty-four to just nine. This rule was made on February 22, 1561.

Later, some people tried to change this rule back. But it was too late. The new rule had been in place for a long time. It was also approved by the Queen.

His Final Years

William Alley led the diocese of Exeter for about nine and a half years. He passed away on April 15, 1570. He was 60 years old. He was buried inside Exeter Cathedral.

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