Thomas Taylor (priest, 1576–1633)

Thomas Taylor (1576–1633) was an English cleric.

Life

Taylor was born in 1576 in Richmond, Yorkshire, where his father was known as a friend to Puritans and silenced ministers in the north. He distinguished himself at Cambridge, became a fellow and reader in Hebrew at Christ's College, proceeded B.D. 1628, and was incorporated D.D. at Oxford in 1630. He began preaching at 21 and when only about 25 preached a sermon at St. Paul's Cross before Queen Elizabeth. He was known for strong anti-Roman Catholic views.

In a sermon delivered at St. Mary's, Cambridge, in 1608, he denounced Richard Bancroft's severe treatment of Puritans and was silenced by Archbishop Samuel Harsnet and threatened with degradation. It was only after much hindrance that he obtained his doctoral degree. Taylor was living at Watford, perhaps as vicar, in 1612, and later moved to Reading where his brother, Theophilus Taylor, was incumbent of St Lawrence Church from 1618 to 1640. Here young preachers gathered round him, among them being William Jemmat who afterwards edited his works.

On 22 January 1625, Taylor was chosen as the incumbent of St. Mary Aldermanbury, London. He continued there until about 1630 when, due to failing health, he retired to Isleworth for the country air. He died at Isleworth in January or February 1633 and was buried at St. Mary Aldermanbury, Jemmat preaching his funeral sermon.