William Sedgwick (priest) facts for kids

William Sedgwick (around 1610 – around 1669) was an English priest with strong Puritan beliefs. He was also known for his spiritual and mystical ideas. People called him the "apostle of the Isle of Ely" because of his preaching. He also earned the nickname "Doomsday Sedgwick" after a famous prediction.

Early Life and Education

William Sedgwick was born in Bedfordshire, England, around the year 1610. His father was also named William Sedgwick and lived in London.

When he was about 15 years old, William started studying at Pembroke College, Oxford, in December 1625. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1628. A few years later, in 1631, he completed his Master of Arts (MA) degree. His teacher at Oxford was George Hughes.

A Preacher's Journey

In 1634, William Sedgwick became the rector, or main priest, of a church in Farnham, Essex. He stayed there until 1644. However, in 1642, he left a helper priest, called a curate, in charge of Farnham and moved to London.

People in London wanted him to be a lecturer at a church called St Giles's. But another priest, William Fuller, tried to stop him.

Serving the Army

In 1642, Sedgwick became a chaplain for a group of soldiers led by William Constable. A chaplain is a priest who serves with the military.

The Apostle of Ely

By 1644, Sedgwick became a very important preacher in Ely. He was so good at spreading his religious message that people started calling him the "apostle of the Isle of Ely." An "apostle" is someone who is a strong leader in spreading a religion.

The Doomsday Prediction

William Sedgwick was also known as a "Seeker." This meant he was open to new religious ideas and even believed some people had special prophetic powers.

Near a town called Swaffham Prior, a woman claimed that the day of judgment (the end of the world) was coming soon. Sedgwick believed her and announced the date at the home of Francis Russell in Chippenham, Cambridgeshire.

When the predicted day arrived, nothing happened. But during the night, there was a big storm. Because of this event, William Sedgwick earned his famous nickname: "Doomsday Sedgwick."

Meeting the King

Towards the end of 1647, Sedgwick visited King Charles I at Carisbrooke Castle. He brought a book he wrote called Leaves of the Tree of Life. King Charles read some of the book but gave it back, saying he thought the author "stands in some need of sleep."

In 1652, Sedgwick was interested in the ideas of John Reeve, another religious figure. While he didn't become Reeve's direct follower, he supported him until Reeve passed away.

Later Years and Writings

After the English Restoration (when the king returned to power in England), Sedgwick's preaching in Ely ended. He moved to Lewisham, Kent.

In 1663, he became the rector of a church in Mattishall Burgh, Norfolk. William Sedgwick died in London around 1669.

Besides two sermons he gave before Parliament in 1642 and 1643, he also published several books:

• The Leaves of the Tree of Life (1648)
• Some Flashes of Lightenings of the Sonne of Man (1648)
• The Spirituall Madman ... a Prophesie concerning the King, the Parliament (1648)
• Justice upon the Armie Remonstrance (1649)
• A Second View of the Army Remonstrance (1649)
• Mr. W. S.'s Letter to ... Thomas Lord Fairfax in prosecution of his Answer to the Remonstrance of the Army (1649)
• Animadversions on a Letter ... to His Highness ... by ... Gentlemen. . .in Wales (1656)
• Animadversions upon a book intituled Inquisition for the Blood of our Soveraign (1661)

Sources

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Sedgwick, William". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.