William Blackmore (minister) facts for kids

William Blackmore (born in 1616, died in 1684) was an important English minister. He was known as an "ejected minister." This means he lost his job because he did not agree with new rules for the church in England.

William Blackmore's Life Story

William Blackmore was born on June 24, 1616. He was the second son of William Blackmore, a London businessman. His older brother, Sir John Blackmore, was a trusted friend of Oliver Cromwell. Sir John later became the governor of St Helena.

Education and Early Career

William went to Merchant Taylors' School and then to Lincoln College, Oxford. He finished his studies in 1641. In December 1645, he became a church leader, called a rector, in a town called Pentlow, Essex.

Later, in 1646, he moved to London. He worked as a curate at St Peter's, Cornhill church. In 1647, he became a presbyter, which is another type of church leader. He was officially made the rector of St Peter's in 1656.

His Role in Church Debates

In 1646, London church leaders who followed the Presbyterian system wrote a book. It was called Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici, which means "The Divine Right of Church Government." This book explained why their way of running the church was the right way. William Blackmore wrote the part about how church leaders should be chosen. Many people thought this book was the best defense of the Presbyterian church system.

In 1648, William was a scribe for the London church assembly. He also signed a letter to Oliver Cromwell in 1649. This letter was from Presbyterian leaders who were against the king's planned death.

In 1651, William was one of thirteen church leaders arrested. They were thought to be involved in a plan by Christopher Love. Luckily, William's brother, Sir John, helped him get free. William then helped Christopher Love during his trial.

Later Life and Ministry

In 1662, William Blackmore left the official church. He became a "nonconformist," meaning he did not follow the new church rules. He moved to Essex and lived on his own money. He also started a small group of people who met for worship.

In 1672, he was allowed to teach as a Presbyterian in his own house in Hornchurch, near Romford. William Blackmore died in 1684 near Romford and was buried there on July 18.

William Blackmore's Family

William Blackmore was married twice. His first wife was Mary Chewning from Leeds, Kent. They married in 1660, and she passed away in 1678. His second wife was Sarah Luttrell, whom he married before 1681. She lived longer than him.

William had one son named Chewning Blackmore, born in 1663. Chewning also became a minister. He studied at an academy and then worked in Worcester starting in 1688. He stayed there until he died in 1737.

Chewning married Abigail Higgins in 1694. They had two sons who also became Presbyterian ministers:

• Francis, who served in Evesham, Coventry, and Worcester.
• Edward Chewning, who served in Stoke, near Malvern.