William Spurstowe facts for kids

William Spurstowe (born around 1605, died 1666) was an English church leader and thinker. He was an important member of the Westminster Assembly, a group that helped shape the Church of England. He was also part of a famous group of church leaders called Smectymnuus.

William Spurstowe's Early Life and Education

William Spurstowe was born in England around 1605. His father, also named William Spurstow, was a mercer in London. A mercer was someone who sold fine fabrics and textiles.

Young William went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge to study. This was a well-known university at the time.

Becoming a College Leader

In 1638, William Spurstowe became a Fellow at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. A Fellow is like a senior teacher or researcher at a college. Later, in 1645, he became the Master of the college. The Master is the main leader of the college.

At that time, St Catharine's College was known for its strong Puritan beliefs. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure." Many other important Puritan scholars were also Fellows there, like John Arrowsmith and Thomas Goodwin.

Working with John Hampden

In the late 1630s, William Spurstowe worked closely with John Hampden. Hampden was a famous politician who stood up against King Charles I. In 1638, Spurstowe became the vicar (a type of church minister) in Great Hampden, where John Hampden lived. Later, he even served as a chaplain for Hampden's soldiers. A chaplain is a minister who serves in the military.

William Spurstowe's Church Work

In 1643, William Spurstowe became the vicar of Hackney, a town near London. This was around the same time he became Master of St Catharine's College.

However, in 1650, he was removed from his position as Master of the college.

After the King Returned

After King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660 (an event called the Restoration), things changed for many church leaders. In 1662, William Spurstowe was removed from his church job in Hackney. This happened because he did not agree with some new rules for the Church of England. People who did not agree were called "nonconformists."

Even after being removed, he stayed in Hackney. He welcomed other ministers who had also been removed from their jobs. He even built six almshouses there. Almshouses are special homes for poor or elderly people. He started this work shortly before he passed away in 1666.

William Spurstowe's Writings

William Spurstowe was also a writer. He wrote several books and sermons, sharing his religious ideas. Here are some of his works:

• Englands Patterne and Duty in Its Monthly Fasts (1643)
• Englands eminent judgments, caus'd by the abuse of Gods eminent mercies (1644)
• The Magistrate's Dignity and Duty (1653)
• Death and the Grave No Bar to Believers Happinesse (1656)
• A Crown of Life, the Reward of Faithfulnesse (1662)