William Rugge (bishop) facts for kids

William Rugge (also known as Rugg, Repps, or Reppes) was an important English religious leader. He was a Benedictine monk and a smart thinker about religious topics. From 1536 to 1549, he served as the bishop of Norwich. He was born in a place called Northrepps in Norfolk, England, and passed away in 1550.

William Rugge's Life

William Rugge studied at Gonville Hall, Cambridge, a famous university. By 1513, he earned a special degree called a Doctor of Divinity. This meant he was very knowledgeable about religious studies.

In 1530, he became the Abbot of St Benet's Abbey. An abbot is the head of a monastery, a place where monks live. Even after he became the bishop of Norwich, he kept his role as abbot for a while. However, the abbey was later closed down in 1539.

William Rugge was one of the people who helped write an important religious book called The Bishops' Book in 1537. He was quite traditional in his religious beliefs. He tried to include parts in the book that supported pilgrimages, which are special journeys to holy places. But his ideas were not included. In 1539, he had a public debate with Robert Watson, who had more modern religious views. They argued about the idea of free will, which is about whether people have control over their choices.

Why William Rugge Resigned

William Rugge left his position as bishop in 1549. There were a few reasons for this. One reason was that he had money problems. Another reason was that the king was upset with him. The king thought Rugge was too slow in helping to stop Kett's Rebellion. This was a big uprising by farmers in Norfolk. Some people even thought Rugge might have secretly supported the rebels.

A historian named Gilbert Burnet suggested that the church leaders wanted to move other bishops around. They needed Rugge's position for Thomas Thirlby, who was the bishop of Westminster. This would then allow Nicholas Ridley to become the bishop of London. It seems William Rugge had often disagreed with Thomas Cranmer, another powerful church leader. After Kett's Rebellion was put down, Rugge was removed from his job. However, he was pardoned and given money to live on.

William Rugge's Family

The Rugge family came from a place called Pattingham in Staffordshire. A younger part of the family moved to Norfolk. William Rugge, the bishop, was the son of William Rugge (who died in 1512) and Agnes. He had three brothers: Nicholas, Roger, and Robert.

One of his brothers, Robert Rugge (who lived from about 1503 to 1559), became the Mayor of Norwich. William Rugge, as abbot, sold some land to his brother Robert. Robert Rugge had a large family with his first wife, Elizabeth Wood. They had five sons and three daughters.

Later generations of the Rugge family continued to be important. For example, the Rugge-Price baronets are direct descendants of this family. A baronet is a special title of honor, like a knight, that can be passed down through the family.

The Rugge family also had a special design called a coat of arms. This design was used to identify their family. The coat of arms for William Rugge, the bishop, was described as: Gules, a chevron engrailed, between three mullets pierced, argent. This means it had a red background (gules), a zigzag shape (chevron engrailed), and three star-like shapes (mullets pierced) in silver (argent).

Images for kids

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  St. Andrew's Church in Norwich, where the Rugge family coat of arms can be seen.