William Nicolson facts for kids
William Nicolson (born 1655, died 1727) was an English church leader, language expert, and historian who studied old things (an antiquarian). As a bishop, he was important in the House of Lords during the time of Queen Anne. He also kept a diary that helps us understand the politics of his era. He was a very skilled scholar, working with many people and helping with their projects without always getting credit.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Nicolson was born in Plumbland, Cumberland. His father, Joseph Nicolson, was a rector (a type of church leader) there. William went to school in nearby Dovenby. Later, he studied at Queen's College, Oxford and earned his first degree in 1676, and a master's degree in 1679. He became a Fellow (a senior member) of the college from 1679 to 1682.
Journey to Germany
In 1678, Nicolson traveled to the University of Leipzig in Germany to learn the German language. He was supported by Joseph Williamson. He went through Holland in July 1678 with Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury. He also traveled with David Hanisius, who was a librarian. Nicolson visited Schloss Wolfenbüttel and Blankenburg before reaching Leipzig in September.
While in Leipzig, Nicolson met and was impressed by scholars like Johann Benedict Carpzov II and Jakob Thomasius. He also admired Johann Adam Schertzer. He studied there until February 1679 before returning home. In his book English Historical Library, he suggested reading German authors like Melchior Goldast and Heinrich Lindenbrog for laws, and Justus Georg Schottelius for early German language.
Becoming a Church Leader
Nicolson became a deacon (a church assistant) in 1679. He was made Vicar of Torpenhow in 1681 and also became a prebendary (a type of church official) at Carlisle Cathedral that same year. In 1682, he became the Archdeacon (another church leader) of Carlisle and rector of Great Salkeld.
Later, a churchman named Francis Atterbury caused some debate in 1696. He suggested that the church's meeting (called Convocation) should meet at the same time as Parliament. Nicolson was one of several church leaders who disagreed with Atterbury's idea. Atterbury even wrote some unkind things about Nicolson.
Bishop of Carlisle
In 1702, Nicolson was chosen to be the bishop of Carlisle. He had gained support from local leaders. He wrote Miscellany Accounts about his diocese (the area he was in charge of). These notes, published later in 1877, came from his own observations or from people he trusted. For example, in 1703, he found Holmcultram Abbey neglected and filled with water. His records showed that about 70% of the churches in his area were in fair condition, but 10% were in very bad shape.
In 1704, Atterbury became the Dean of Carlisle. He and Nicolson had some disagreements about church matters. Nicolson tried to stop Atterbury's appointment, but Atterbury remained in his role, mostly staying in London. The disagreements continued, and Nicolson even excommunicated (removed from the church) another person named Hugh Todd. This led to a court case in 1707–1708, which Todd won. However, Nicolson and his supporters in Parliament quickly passed the Cathedral Act in March 1708. This law made it clear that bishops had the right to inspect cathedrals. The next day, they settled their differences at a dinner.
Later Life and Career
Nicolson's political views changed over time. He started to support the Whig party, which was different from his earlier Tory leanings. He even dined with the Earl of Carlisle in 1709 and supported the Whigs in the 1710 election.
During the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion, Nicolson was in Carlisle. On November 1, 1715, rebel forces marched south. The next day, Nicolson and others gathered a local militia (a group of armed citizens) at Penrith to face them. However, the militia ran away, and Nicolson had to quickly return to Rose Castle in his coach.
From 1716 to 1718, Nicolson served as Lord High Almoner to George I of Great Britain. This meant he was in charge of giving out money to the poor on behalf of the king. In 1718, he became the Bishop of Derry in Ireland. Here, he faced some challenges with other church leaders who were not from Ireland. Despite this, he made friends and worked well with politicians. His health began to fail, and he turned down the chance to become Archbishop of Armagh.
In 1727, Nicolson was nominated to be the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. However, he died in Derry before he could take on this new role. He was buried in Derry Cathedral.
A Great Scholar
Nicolson was very interested in "septentrional learning," which means studying the history and languages of Northern Europe. He was even called the "Star of the North."
Early Studies
John Fell asked Nicolson to edit a manuscript called the "Northern Dictionary" by Francis Junius. Nicolson copied and added to Junius's collection of old German materials. After returning to Oxford, Nicolson taught Anglo-Saxon (Old English) and became well-known for his knowledge in this area.
While in Germany, Johann Adam Schertzer asked Nicolson to translate an essay by Robert Hooke. This translation was published in 1679.
Runes and Northumbria
As a parish priest, Nicolson became interested in runic scripts (ancient alphabets). In 1685, he visited the Bewcastle Cross and saw the runic writing on the baptismal font at Bridekirk church. He wrote letters describing both. He also identified a coin with runes from Sweyn II of Denmark's mint. Years later, he provided a copy of the Ruthwell Cross fragments to George Hickes, which was important for studying the runic inscription.
In 1691, Nicolson wrote about his strong interest in learning more about the history of the Kingdom of Northumbria, an old kingdom in northern England. He collected many papers and notes from other historians, even though he didn't write a full history himself. Throughout the 1690s, he traveled a lot in northern England, studying both old historical sites and nature.
Historian and Record Keeper
Nicolson believed that histories written at the time were "lazily written." He thought historians should work together more. His most important works were his Historical Library books. These were like guides to historical writings. He wrote the English Historical Library (1696, 1697, 1699), followed by the Scottish Historical Library (1702), and the Irish Historical Library (1724).
He also wrote Leges Marchiarum or Border Laws (1705), which was about the laws of the border region between England and Scotland. This book was important before the Acts of Union 1707, which joined England and Scotland. Nicolson disagreed with another writer, William Atwood, about whether England had power over Scotland.
Nicolson was very keen on collecting and protecting old official documents. He transcribed records stored in the Tower of London. When another historian, Thomas Machell, died in 1698, Nicolson took care of his historical papers.
When Nicolson joined the House of Lords in 1702, he became interested in the records kept there. He joined a special committee focused on public records. Nicolson was the expert on old documents, working with people who managed the records. He also helped make sure the important Cotton library was protected. To keep records safe, Nicolson even had special rooms built at Derry.
Science and Nature
Nicolson was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1705. This was a group for important scientists. He was interested in new ideas in natural philosophy (what we now call science). He discussed how "Every New Philosopher thought himself wise enough to make a World" after Descartes.
From the 1690s, Nicolson was interested in geology (the study of Earth's structure). He corresponded with other scientists and discussed theories about Noah's Flood. He met important geologists like John Woodward and John Hutchinson. He even tried to mediate (help settle) a big argument between scientists about geological theories, but found it very confusing!
Family Life
In 1701, William Nicolson married Elizabeth Archer. They had eight children together.
