William Tooker facts for kids

William Tooker (born in Exeter, 1557 or 1558 – died March 19, 1621) was an important English church leader and writer. He held high positions in the church, first as an archdeacon and later as a dean.

William Tooker's Life Story

Early Life and Education

William Tooker was born in Exeter, England, in either 1557 or 1558. He was the third son of William Tooker and Honora Erisey.

When he was about 14, he started studying at Winchester College in 1572. Later, in 1575, he became a student at New College, Oxford. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1579 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1583. He continued his studies, earning higher degrees in theology in 1594.

Church Career

Tooker began his career in the church in 1577, becoming a "fellow" at New College, Oxford. This meant he was a senior member of the college. In 1580, he became a "canon" at Exeter Cathedral, which is a type of priest who works at a cathedral.

In 1584, he was given the role of rector at a church in Kilkhampton, Cornwall. The next year, he became the archdeacon of Barnstaple. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps a bishop manage a part of a diocese.

Service to the Queen and King

In 1588, William Tooker became a chaplain to Queen Elizabeth I. This was a very important role, as he would advise the Queen on religious matters. He also became a rector in West Dean, Wiltshire.

He held another church position in Clovelly, Devon, from 1590 to 1601. In 1605, he was appointed dean of Lichfield, which is a very high position in the church, leading the clergy at Lichfield Cathedral. He gave up his role as archdeacon when he became dean.

Some historians believe that King James I wanted to make Tooker a bishop, but this plan was later changed. William Tooker passed away in Salisbury on March 19, 1621, and was buried in the cathedral there. He had a son named Robert, who also became a rector in 1625.

William Tooker's Writings

William Tooker was known as a very good scholar and writer, especially in Latin. He was also skilled at choosing topics that would please the powerful people of his time, like the Queen and King.

Charisma sive Donum Sanationis (1597)

In 1597, Tooker published a book called Charisma sive Donum Sanationis. This book was about the belief that English rulers had a special power to heal a disease called the "king's evil" (scrofula) by touch.

• Tooker's book argued that this healing power proved that Queen Elizabeth I had a rightful claim to the throne.
• He traced this power back to ancient times.
• However, he did not believe in some of the common superstitions about "touch pieces" (coins given by the monarch during healing ceremonies).
• Queen Elizabeth I was very pleased with this work.

Of the Fabrique of the Church and Churchmens Livings (1604)

In 1604, Tooker wrote another book dedicated to King James I. In this book, he discussed the structure of the church and how church leaders were supported.

• He wrote against the ideas of the Puritans, who wanted to change the church to be more democratic.
• Tooker believed that Puritan ideas could lead to disorder in the church.

Duellum sive Singulare Certamen cum Martino Becano Jesuita (1611)

Tooker also wrote a book in 1611 called Duellum sive Singulare Certamen cum Martino Becano Jesuita. This book was part of a debate about the "allegiance oath."

• The book defended the English King's authority over the church.
• It was written against a Jesuit scholar named Martin Becanus, who later wrote his own book to reply to Tooker.