This is a study of William Burkitt (1650-1703), Vicar and Lecturer of Dedham; his life, library and legacy. A son of an ejected Puritan minister, Burkitt became a conforming Reformed clergyman of the Church of England. This thesis examines the part that patrimony and education played in Burkitt's formation, ministry and legacy to consider why he became known for his moderation, tolerance and charity. Burkitt bequeathed a large parochial library which remained intact for two centuries before being dispersed. Historians of the book and historical bibliographers have mourned not only its loss but that what was lost became unknown. Re-discovered bibliographical manuscripts have been used to create a catalogue of what once existed. Other manuscripts by Burkitt are here given scholarly consideration for the first time; through this the academic and spiritual hinterland of his times will be better seen. Local and particular in approach, yet a kind of 'qualitative change' will be seen here with greater clarity. Burkitt wrote books that were among the most widely read in Britain and North America during the first century after his death. Now largely forgotten, even by students of early modem history, this thesis examines how Burkitt's books were once valued, considers why they fell from favour, and reflects on whether such amnesia is deserved. Reformed parochial clergy have been considered to have had only a marginal effect upon the Church in the latter part of the seventeenth century; this thesis challenges that assumption, offering a fresh insight into the importance of such ministers during these years. From all the divisions, conflicts and disasters of the period, England emerged a stronger and more confident nation. This thesis, with a magnification of Burkitt's ministry and its changes and continuities on the Essex-Suffolk border, will help to show how such transformation was made possible.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:606546 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Moate, Gerard Grigglestone |
| Contributors | Professor James Raven |
| Publisher | University of Essex |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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