1. Thomas Ken was an English cleric who was considered the most eminent of the English non-juring bishops, and one of the developers of modern English hymnody.
19 Facts About Thomas Ken
1. 2.
Thomas Ken was born in 1637 at Little Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire.
3.
Thomas Ken's father was Thomas Ken of Furnival's Inn, of the Ken family of Ken Place, in Somerset; his mother was the daughter of little known English poet John Chalkhill.
4.
In 1652 Thomas Ken entered Winchester College, and in 1656 became a student of Hart Hall, Oxford.
5.
Thomas Ken was for some time tutor of his college; but the most characteristic reminiscence of his university life is the mention made by Anthony Wood that in the musical gatherings of the time Thomas Ken of New College, a junior, would be sometimes among them, and sing his part.
6.
Thomas Ken remained there for several years, acting as curate in one of the lowest districts, preparing his Manual of Prayers for the use of the Scholars of Winchester College, and composing hymns.
7.
In 1674 Thomas Ken paid a visit to Rome in company with his nephew, the young Isaac Walton, and this journey seems mainly to have resulted in confirming his regard for the Anglican communion.
8.
In 1679, Thomas Ken was appointed by Charles II chaplain to the Princess Mary, wife of William of Orange.
9.
Thomas Ken was once more residing at Winchester in 1683 when Charles came to the city with his slightly disreputable court.
10.
Thomas Ken's residence was chosen as the home of Nell Gwynne, the King's official mistress.
11.
Thomas Ken stoutly objected and succeeded in making the favourite find quarters elsewhere.
12.
In 1688, when James reissued his Declaration of Indulgence, Thomas Ken was one of the Seven Bishops who refused to publish it.
13.
Thomas Ken was probably influenced by two considerations: first, by his profound aversion to Roman Catholicism, to which he felt he would be giving some episcopal recognition by compliance; but, second and more especially, by the feeling that James was compromising the spiritual freedom of the church.
14.
Thomas Ken did however persuade George Hooper to accept and made a cession to him.
15.
Thomas Ken was arrested with several others after the 1696 plot to kill King William; he was released shortly afterwards and worked on ending the schism between the nonjurors and the church.
16.
Thomas Ken took up his robe on only one occasion, the funeral of fellow nonjuror John Kettlewell.
17.
Thomas Ken is remembered at Warminster School by the naming of a competitive 'house' after him.
18.
Thomas Ken was buried at the Church of St John the Baptist, Frome, where his crypt can still be seen.
19.
Thomas Ken is commemorated with a statue in niche 177 on the West Front of Salisbury Cathedral.