Samuel Harsnett
Samuel Harsnett was an English writer on religion and Archbishop of York from 1629 to 1631. He is known for his skeptical views on demons and witchcraft, and his writings that condemned fraudulent exorcisms. Harsnett also served as Master of Pembroke Hall and Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
Key Facts
- ›Born Samuel Halsnoth in Colchester, Essex, in June 1561.
- ›Became Archbishop of York in 1629.
- ›Authored "a Discovery of the Fraudulent Practises of John Darrel" (1599) and "a Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures" (1603).
- ›Served as Master of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, from 1605 to 1616.
- ›Was Bishop of Chichester (1609-1619) and Bishop of Norwich (1619-1629).
- ›Died on may 25, 1631, in Moreton-in-Marsh and is buried in Chigwell.
- Wrote Extensively On Religious Matters, Particularly Against Perceived Fraudulent Practices In Exorcisms.
- Served As Master of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge.
- Held Bishoprics In Chichester and Norwich Before Becoming Archbishop of York.
- Founded A Latin School and An English School In Chigwell.
About Samuel Harsnett
Samuel Harsnett: Archbishop of York
Samuel Harsnett (born Samuel Halsnoth in June 1561) was an English writer on religion and served as the Archbishop of York from 1629 until his death in May 1631. His intellectual contributions were marked by a skeptical approach to supernatural claims, particularly concerning demons and witchcraft. He was educated at Colchester's free school and later entered King's College, Cambridge, eventually becoming a Fellow of Pembroke Hall.
Early Life and Education
Harsnett was born in Colchester, Essex, the son of a baker. After his early education, he attended Cambridge University, where he was ordained into the Church of England. He engaged in theological debates, notably preaching against predestination, and was disciplined by Archbishop Whitgift for such views.
Academic and Ministerial Career
His career included a period as headmaster of Colchester Royal Grammar School. He later returned to Cambridge, where he served as Master of Pembroke Hall from 1605 to 1616 and as Vice-Chancellor of the university in 1606 and 1614. Harsnett progressed through the church hierarchy with the support of Richard Bancroft, Bishop of London and later Archbishop of Canterbury. He held various ecclesiastical positions, including the rectory of St Margaret, New Fish Street, London, and the vicarage of Chigwell, Essex.
Episcopal Service and Skepticism
Harsnett became Bishop of Chichester in 1609 and later Bishop of Norwich in 1619. During his time in Norwich, he faced accusations of high-handedness from citizens and persecuted Puritans, leading to complaints to King Charles I. A key aspect of his legacy is his skepticism towards supernatural phenomena. His treatise "A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practises of John Darrel" aimed to discredit puritan exorcisms, and "A Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures" exposed Roman Catholic exorcisms, influencing works like Shakespeare's "King Lear."
Archbishopric and Death
In 1628, Harsnett was elected Archbishop of York and was sworn in as a Privy Councillor in 1629. Towards the end of his life, he fell ill and died on May 25, 1631, in Moreton-in-Marsh while returning from Bath. He was buried in Chigwell, Essex, where a memorial brass in St Mary's Church commemorates him.
Legacy
Harsnett's writings and his skeptical stance contributed to the intellectual climate of his time, influencing attitudes towards witchcraft and supernatural claims. His collection of books was bequeathed to the borough of Colchester for the use of local clergy and now resides in the University of Essex library.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Samuel Harsnett known for?
Samuel Harsnett was known as a writer on religion and the Archbishop of York. He is particularly noted for his skeptical views on demons and witchcraft, and his writings that exposed fraudulent exorcisms.
What were some of Samuel Harsnett's major writings?
His significant works include "A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practises of John Darrel" (1599), which challenged the authenticity of exorcisms, and "A Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures" (1603), which condemned Roman Catholic exorcisms. Shakespeare drew inspiration from this latter work for his play King Lear.
What was Samuel Harsnett's career path before becoming Archbishop of York?
Before becoming Archbishop, Harsnett had a distinguished academic career, serving as Master of Pembroke Hall and Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University. He also held bishoprics in Chichester and Norwich.
Where did Samuel Harsnett die and where is he buried?
Samuel Harsnett died at Moreton-in-Marsh while returning from taking the waters at Bath. He was buried in St Mary's Church, Chigwell, alongside his wife and daughter.
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