Ralph Brownrigg | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Exeter | |
 | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Exeter |
| In office | 1642–1646 |
| Predecessor | Joseph Hall |
| Successor | John Gauden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1592 |
| Died | 7 December 1659 |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Alma mater | Pembroke Hall, Cambridge |
Ralph Brownrigg or Brownrig (1592–1659) was bishop of Exeter from 1642 to 1646. He spent that time largely in exile from his see, which he perhaps never visited.[1] He did find a position there for Seth Ward.[2] He was both a Royalist in politics, and a Calvinist in religion,[3] an unusual combination of the period. Brownrigg opposed Laudianism in Cambridge during the 1630s and at the Short Parliament Convocation of 1640. Nominated to the Westminster Assembly,[4] he apparently took no part in it.
He studied at Ipswich and Pembroke Hall, Cambridge.[5] He was awarded an M.A. in 1614 and a D.D. in 1626.[6] He was Rector of St Margaret of Antioch, Barley, Hertfordshire, in 1621.[7]
He was Master of St Catharine's College, Cambridge,[8] and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, but in 1646 was ejected from both these positions, by the Parliamentary government.[9] He was also deprived of his See by Parliament on 9 October 1646, as episcopacy was abolished for the duration of the Commonwealth and the Protectorate.[10][11]
He took refuge with Thomas Rich, lord of the manor of Sonning.[12]
He continued to preach, for example at the Temple Church,[3] and a collection of sermons of his was published posthumously.[13]
