The Life and Times of John Wilkins / Warden of Wadham College, Oxford; Master of Trinity College, Cambridge; and Bishop of Chester

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26674

Title

The Life and Times of John Wilkins / Warden of Wadham College, Oxford; Master of Trinity College, Cambridge; and Bishop of Chester

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This biography chronicles the life of John Wilkins, a versatile scholar who served as Warden of Wadham College, Master of Trinity College, and Bishop of Chester. Written by P. A. Wright Henderson as a tribute to Wadham College, the text explores Wilkins' remarkable adaptability during the turbulent religious and political shifts of the 17th century. It highlights his scientific curiosity, his role in the Royal Society, and his reputation as a universally beloved 'Moderate Man' who navigated the conflicts between...

Summary up to 500 words

P. A. Wright Henderson's *The Life and Times of John Wilkins* offers a detailed portrait of John Wilkins (1614–1672), a central figure in English science and ecclesiastical history. The narrative begins with the founding of Wadham College by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham, noting the site's history and the architectural choices that defined the institution. It then focuses on Wilkins' appointment as Warden in 1649, a period marked by the Civil War and the Commonwealth. The text describes how Wilkins, married to Cromwell's sister, thrived under the Protectorate, fostering a diverse community of scholars including Christopher Wren, Seth Ward, and Lawrence Rooke. His tenure is characterized by significant admissions of students and a flourishing academic environment despite the political chaos. The book details his scientific contributions, his friendship with figures like Robert Hooke and Thomas Sprat, and his involvement with the Royal Society. It also covers his later life under the Restoration, his ejection from his posts, and his subsequent rise to the Bishopric of Chester. The author draws on contemporary accounts from Evelyn, Pepys, and Burnet to paint a portrait of a man who was both a brilliant mathematician and a pragmatic churchman. The text examines the accusations of inconsistency leveled against him by critics like Antony Wood, arguing instead that his 'trimming' was a necessary virtue for maintaining peace and advancing learning in an age of persecution. Ultimately, the book presents Wilkins as a man of great mind and true judgment who prioritized doing good over rigid consistency, leaving a legacy of tolerance and intellectual achievement that endures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Biography