William Thompson (1614–1681)

William Thompson (1614–1681) was an English nonconformist minister.

Life and Career:

Thompson was born in 1614 and matriculated at Brasenose College, Oxford, on 12 November 1630, aged 16. He graduated B.A. on 27 June 1633. He was ordained as a minister in the Church of England, but his views gradually aligned with Puritanism and nonconformity. He was ejected from his living in 1662 following the Act of Uniformity.

After his ejection, Thompson continued to preach in secret and suffered various persecutions for his nonconformist activities. He became a prominent figure among dissenting congregations in the north of England. He held strong Calvinistic theological views.

Death:

William Thompson died in 1681.

Legacy:

Thompson is remembered as a staunch defender of nonconformist principles during a period of intense religious and political upheaval in England. His life reflects the struggles faced by many ministers who chose to leave the established church rather than conform to the religious requirements of the Restoration era. His name appears in lists of ejected ministers, signifying his significant place in the history of English nonconformity.