Thomas Cole (archdeacon of Essex)

Thomas Cole (died 1614) was an English clergyman who served as the Archdeacon of Essex. Little is known of his early life or education. He was appointed Archdeacon of Essex within the Diocese of London in 1584, a position he held until his death in 1614. As Archdeacon, Cole was responsible for the administration of the archdeaconry, which included oversight of the clergy, church buildings, and ecclesiastical courts within the geographical area of Essex. He played a role in the enforcement of ecclesiastical law and the maintenance of religious order within his jurisdiction during a period of significant religious change in England. Records of his activities as Archdeacon are primarily found in diocesan archives and ecclesiastical court records.