Roger Williams (theologian)

:For other men named Roger Williams, see Roger Williams.

Early Life

Williams was born in Long Lane, London, Middlesex, England on December 21, 1603.

Related Topics:
Long Lane - London - Middlesex, England

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His father, James Williams (1562-1620), was a merchant in Smithfield, England. His mother was Alice Pemberton (1564-1634).

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Under the patronage of Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634), the famous jurist, he was educated at Sutton's Hospital and at the University of Cambridge (B.A., 1627). He seems to have had a gift for languages, and early acquired familiarity with Latin, Greek, Dutch, and French. He gave John Milton lessons in Dutch in exchange for lessons in Hebrew.

Related Topics:
Sir Edward Coke - Jurist - University of Cambridge - B.A. - 1627 - Latin - Greek - Dutch - French - John Milton - Hebrew

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After graduating from Cambridge, Williams became chaplain to a rich family. He married Mary Barnard (1609-1676) on December 15, 1629 at the Church of High Laver, Essex, England. They had six children, all of whom were born after they migrated to America.

Related Topics:
December 15 - 1629 - High Laver - Essex, England

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Some time before the end of 1630 Williams adopted a standpoint of dissent and decided that he could not labor in England under William Laud's rigorous administration. He turned aside from offers of preferment in the university and in the Church, and resolved to seek in New England the liberty of conscience denied him at home.

Related Topics:
Dissent - William Laud

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