William Bedell facts for kids
William Bedell (born 1571, died 1642) was an important leader in the Anglican church. He was a Bishop in Ireland and also led Trinity College Dublin, a famous university. He is remembered for his efforts to help people and for supporting the use of the Irish language.
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William Bedell's Early Life and Education
William Bedell was born in 1571 in a place called Black Notley in Essex, England. He went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1584. There, he studied and became a very good scholar. He earned his first degree in 1589 and a master's degree in 1592.
After finishing his studies, he became a priest in 1597. He worked as a vicar in Bury St Edmunds from 1601 to 1607.
Time as a Scholar in Venice
In 1607, William Bedell became a chaplain to Sir Henry Wotton. Sir Henry was the English ambassador in Venice, Italy. Bedell lived in Venice for three years. During this time, he became well-known as a smart scholar and a religious thinker.
He even translated the Book of Common Prayer into Italian. He also became close friends with a famous Venetian thinker named Paolo Sarpi. Together, they worked on religious writings.
Family Life and Return to England
After his time in Venice, Bedell returned to England in 1610. He married Leah Bowles, who already had four children. William and Leah then had three sons and one daughter together. In 1616, he became a rector in a nearby area called Horningsheath. He stayed there for twelve years before moving to Ireland.
William Bedell's Work in Ireland
In 1627, William Bedell was chosen to be the Provost of Trinity College Dublin. This was a big job, even though he had no previous connection to Ireland. He wanted to help the Irish Reformation. He made sure that parts of the Irish New Testament were read aloud during dinner. He also encouraged prayers in the Irish language in his chapel.
Becoming a Bishop in Kilmore
In 1629, Bedell was appointed Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh. He worked hard to fix problems in his church area. He strongly supported using the Irish language among the clergy. He even took on many duties usually done by others.
He is famous for asking for the Bible to be translated into the Irish language. This important work was done by Reverend Muircheartach Ó Cionga. Bedell also made sure that only people who spoke Irish were appointed to parishes.
Challenges and Reforms as Bishop
In 1633, Bedell gave up his role as Bishop of Ardagh. He kept the bishopric of Kilmore. Here, he faced challenges from both Anglicans and Catholics. He tried to reach out to and teach the native Irish.
He was also determined to fix the church buildings that had been neglected. In 1638, he held a meeting with all the Anglican clergy in his area. They discussed how to improve discipline. Bedell also helped plan the town of Virginia, County Cavan.
Helping Others and Facing Trouble
William Bedell lived a simple life. He often walked or rode on horseback for miles. He helped native Irish people who became Anglicans. He supported them so they could study to become ministers.
Bedell even sided with the Catholics in Kilmore against some unfair actions by a church official named Alan Cooke. However, the church courts decided that Cooke had the legal right to his position.
The Irish Rebellion of 1641
When the Irish Rebellion of 1641 began, local Irish clans took control of the region. The O'Reilly clan, who were leaders there, treated Bishop Bedell kindly at first. His house in Kilmore became a safe place for people trying to escape.
However, the O'Reillys later demanded that everyone who had taken shelter in his house leave. When Bedell refused, he was arrested. He was held with others on an island castle called Cloughoughter Castle in Lough Oughter.
Imprisonment and Death
Bedell was held for several weeks. He was released after signing a statement from his captors. This statement asked King Charles for favors on their behalf. William Bedell was then cared for by his friend Denis Sheridan.
But the time he spent in prison had harmed his health greatly. Soon after his release, William Bedell died on February 7, 1642. He was buried next to his wife, Leah, in Kilmore. The leaders of the O'Reilly clan attended his funeral, showing him great respect.
Images for kids
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A plaque near Kilmore Cathedral in County Cavan, remembering William Bedell.
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The Cathedral Church of St Fethlimidh, Kilmore, also known as the Bedell Memorial Church.
