William Pell (minister) facts for kids

William Pell (1634–1698) was an English minister who lived a long time ago. He was a Nonconformist, which meant he didn't follow the official Church of England. Because of his beliefs, he was removed from his church job in 1662. He also taught at Durham College and was even put in prison for preaching when it was against the law.

Early Life and Education

William Pell was born in Sheffield in 1634. His father was also named William Pell. Young William went to grammar school in Rotherham, Yorkshire.

When he was seventeen, in 1651, he started studying at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He was a "sizar," which meant he received financial help for his studies, often in exchange for certain duties. His teacher there was Joseph Hill. William Pell worked hard and earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. He was also chosen as a scholar in 1654 and later as a fellow in 1656.

Becoming a Minister

William Pell became a minister, receiving his orders from Ralph Brownrig, who was the bishop of Exeter. This likely happened in Sunning, Berkshire.

He then became the rector (the main minister) of a church in Easington, County Durham. This church had been taken over by the government at the time. He also taught at a college in Durham that Oliver Cromwell had recently started.

Changes After the Restoration

When the king returned to power in England (this was called the Restoration), many things changed. Durham College closed down. The original rector of Easington, Mr. Clark, got his church back. William Pell was then given a new church job as the rector of Great Stainton, Durham. He stayed there until 1662.

Facing Challenges as a Nonconformist

In 1662, a new law made it very difficult for Nonconformist ministers like William Pell to keep their church jobs. He was "ejected," meaning he was forced to leave his position.

After being ejected, he continued to preach in secret meetings called "conventicles." Because of this, he was arrested and put in prison in Durham. He was later taken to London using a special legal order called a habeas corpus. A judge named Sir Matthew Hale then ordered his release.

A New Path in Yorkshire

After being released, William Pell moved to the North Riding of Yorkshire. There, he started working as a doctor.

He was also known for his knowledge of languages and cultures from the Middle East, even though he didn't publish any books. He had many unfinished writings, including studies of rabbinical texts (writings by Jewish scholars).

Teaching and New Academies

Some of his friends wanted him to go back to teaching at a university level. However, William Pell felt he couldn't. He believed his graduation oath meant he could only teach at older, established universities.

Because of this, the idea of starting a new "northern academy" (a school for higher education) was taken over by Richard Frankland. Frankland went on to create one of the first "dissenting academies" in Rathmell Academy. These were schools set up by Nonconformists because they couldn't attend the traditional universities.

Later Life and Ministry

In 1672, a new law called the "indulgence" made it easier for Nonconformists to practice their religion publicly. After this, William Pell began preaching openly in Tattershall, Lincolnshire. He was protected by working as a personal assistant to Edward Clinton, 5th Earl of Lincoln. A wealthy merchant from London, who had the same last name but was not related, also helped him financially.

When King James II announced "liberty of conscience" in 1687, which allowed more religious freedom, William Pell became the pastor for Nonconformists in Boston, Lincolnshire.

In 1694, he moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to work as an assistant to another minister, Richard Gilpin. William Pell passed away there on December 2, 1698, at the age of 63. He was buried on December 6 at St. Nicholas's Church in Newcastle. He was married to Elizabeth, who was the daughter of George Lilburn from Sunderland. Elizabeth passed away in 1708.