William Bennet (MP for Ripon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Bennet
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | after 1553 |
| Died | February 1609 |
| Occupation | Member of Parliament |
William Bennet (born after 1553 – died February 1609) was an English politician from Marlborough, Wiltshire. He was known for his work in the English Parliament and for helping to start a famous college. He also created a special scholarship to help young boys get an education.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Bennet started his education at a place called John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon. This school is now known as Abingdon School. A "Free School" back then meant it was a school that didn't charge fees, making education available to more people.
Later, William Bennet continued his studies at Gray's Inn. This was a place in London where people learned about law. It was like a special college for future lawyers and important government officials.
His Work as a Politician
William Bennet became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1593. An MP is someone chosen by people to represent them in the Parliament of England. The Parliament was, and still is, the main law-making body in England.
He represented a town called Ripon. This meant he spoke for the people of Ripon in important discussions about laws and how the country was run.
Helping to Build a College
William Bennet was also one of the people who helped create Pembroke College, Oxford. This is a well-known college at the famous University of Oxford. Helping to found a college was a very important way to support education in England.
His Legacy and Scholarship
William Bennet passed away in February 1609. In his will, which is a document stating what happens to his belongings after he dies, he left some land to Christ's Hospital of Abingdon.
He also set up something very special: the Bennet scholarship at Abingdon School. This scholarship was created to help six poor boys from Abingdon get a free education. It also helped them learn a trade through an apprenticeship. These boys were known as "Bennet boys."
The rules for the Bennet boys were put in place in November 1609 by his uncle, Thomas Tesdale, and his brother, Ralph Bennett. The Bennet boys program helped students from 1609 until 1870, showing William Bennet's lasting impact on education.
His brother, John Bennet, later took over his role as the MP for Ripon.
| Parliament of England (to 1707) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Peter York |
Member of Parliament for Ripon 1593 |
Succeeded by Sir John Bennett |
See also
- List of Old Abingdonians
