THOMAS, WILLIAM (1613 - 1689), bishop

Born at Bristol, 2 February 1613, son of John Thomas of Bristol (formerly of Carmarthen) and Elizabeth his wife. He was educated at the grammar school, Carmarthen, and matriculated in the University of Oxford from S. John's College, 13 November 1629, graduating B.A. from Jesus College, May 1632, and M.A. in February 1634/5. He was also Fellow and tutor of Jesus College. Ordained deacon in 1637 and priest in 1638 by bishop Bancroft of Oxford, he became vicar of Penbryn, Cardiganshire, and chaplain to the earl of Northumberland, who presented him to the living of Laugharne with Llansadyrnin in Carmarthenshire. Ejected in 1644, he kept school at Laugharne; in 1660 he was restored to his livings and appointed precentor of S. Davids. Subsequently he became rector of Lampeter Velfrey, Pembrokeshire, and chaplain to the duke of York; in November 1665, he was appointed dean of Worcester. Two years later he became bishop of S. Davids, holding his deanery 'in commendam.' During his six years' tenure of the see 'he identified himself with the interests of his diocese,' preached in Welsh, aided Welsh publications, and began to repair the episcopal palaces at Abergwili and Brecon. He was translated to Worcester in 1683, and died there 25 June 1689. He was buried in the cloisters of Worcester cathedral. Four sons and four daughters had been born to him and his wife Blanche, daughter of Peter Samyse, a Dutch merchant of London.

Author

• Thomas Iorwerth Ellis, (1899 - 1970)

Sources

• Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Further Reading

• Wikipedia Article: William Thomas

Additional Links

• VIAF: 27413081
• Wikidata: Q8019291

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/