William Finmore facts for kids

William Finmore was an Anglican priest who lived in the 1600s. He was an important figure in the Church of England during a time of big changes in England.

Early Life and Schooling

William Finmore was born around 1623 or 1625. His parents were William Finmore and Katherine Cox. His family lived in a place called North Hinksey, which was in Berkshire back then. This is why people sometimes called him a "Berkshire man." He might have been a twin to his brother, Richard, who worked at Christ Church, Oxford.

Finmore went to Westminster School, a famous school in London. There, he was taught by a well-known teacher named Dr. Richard Busby. In 1642, Finmore started studying at Christ Church, which is part of the University of Oxford. While he was there, he helped teach Philip Henry, who later became the father of a famous Bible writer, Matthew Henry. Finmore earned his first degree in 1646 and his master's degree in 1649.

Finmore's Career in the Church

After the king returned to power in 1660, William Finmore was offered a job at Manchester Cathedral. However, he didn't get the position because of some problems with how he was chosen. In 1662, he tried to become King Charles II's special preacher in Chester, but that job was already taken.

Later that same year, Finmore became the vicar of Runcorn, a town in Cheshire. His connection with the Diocese of Chester grew stronger in 1664. He was made a "prebendary" at Chester Cathedral, which is a special church role. Then, in 1666, he became the Archdeacon of Chester. He held this important position until he passed away in 1686. He also managed the money for Chester Cathedral as its treasurer.

Loyalty to the King

William Finmore was at Oxford during the English Civil War (1642-1651). He was in the city when it was under attack during the Siege of Oxford. Finmore strongly supported the king's side, known as the Royalists.

He greatly admired Colonel Henry Gage, a brave soldier who helped save a place called Basing House in 1644. When Colonel Gage died in 1645 while fighting, Finmore wrote a poem to honor him. The poem showed how much he respected Gage and how he believed the Royalists would still win.

Finmore's loyalty to the king was very strong. In 1647, when Parliament tried to make people at Oxford agree to their beliefs, Finmore refused. He said he wasn't sure if he could honestly agree to their demands. His strong faith in the king was even mentioned on his funeral monument. His wife, Mary, wrote that he was a man known for his kindness, honesty, learning, and constant loyalty to the king.

Family Life

William Finmore was married twice. With his first wife, Philippa, he had two sons named William and John. With his second wife, Mary Bennett, he had two daughters. Their names were Mary, born in 1681, and Sarah, born in 1683. Mary later married Reverend Robert Cheshire, who also became the vicar of Runcorn, just like her father.

Death and Burial

Archdeacon William Finmore passed away on April 7, 1686. He was buried in Chester Cathedral, in a part of the church called St. Mary's Chapel.