PE R SPE CT IVE S “I would as live as a Brownist as a politician” – Twelfth Night, Shakespeare
WHO WAS ROBERT BROWNE? Antonia Scott was invited into Lilford Hall, Browne’s family estate in Northamptonshire, to discover the fascinating past of Robert Browne and his connection to Stamford and The United States of America
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s a life-long non conformist preacher, Robert Browne was certainly infamous in his day – he married twice, fathered nine children, contracted the plague and was jailed an incredible 32 times throughout his life time (1550-1633), but little else is widely known of the former Headmaster of Stamford School (1588-1591). ‘Colourful’, a ‘firebrand’ and ‘rebel’ – all words used to describe Robert Browne during his years as a preacher. Born into the wealthy and prominent Brownes (Elmes) of Lilford family at Tolethorpe Hall in 1550, he was related to the famous William Browne of Stamford who founded Browne’s hospital in 1493, whose family crest “The Spede Bird” appears on the Stamford Endowed Schools crest. He was also fortuitously well-connected to another family member, the hugely influential William Cecil, Lord Burghley, who later became Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth and was a sympathiser to his cause; ultimately saving him from more lengthy jail terms for his non-conformist views.
What did he believe? Robert Browne was highly influenced by Thomas Cartwright, his Professor whilst studying at Cambridge University’s Corpus Christi College, who advocated a new spirit for reform. On leaving Cambridge, Browne preached in Islington, London where he became ever more of a dissident as he felt the Church of England was in a state of moral decline and he was vocal in his anti-papist views. Rather than reforming the Church from within, he sought out a new ‘true church’ ethic which advocated religious separation from the Church of England and was the first to set up a Separatist Church where each congregation independently and autonomously runs its own affairs. He was a passionate orator with a loyal following called ‘Brownists’ who praised his strong beliefs and were even prepared to be incarcerated alongside him for outwardly defying the Church of England.
Robert Browne’s Time at Stamford School Browne travelled from London to Norwich and over to Holland preaching his outspoken beliefs with a loyal congregation following him. He published two books in 1582: ‘A Booke which Shewth the Life and Manners of all true Christians’ and his major work, ‘Treatise of Reformation’ which were soon banned by the English authorities. By the following year, a proclamation was issued against the buying, selling or possession of Robert Brown’s works. By 1588, after periods in jail and excommunication, his relation William Cecil, Lord Burghley finally sought him a Headship at Stamford School, in the hopes of bringing some calm to his life. It is there that Robert Browne eventually seemed to conform to the rules and statutes of the Church of England and even recanted some of his previous beliefs and writings. Parts of the original Stamford School Chapel where Browne taught for the three years he was recorded as Headmaster, still stand today and are filled with pupils on a daily basis.
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Lilford Estate and Robert Browne’s connection to America Charles Micklewright is the current owner of the impressive Lilford Hall, a private residence not yet open to the public, which he bought over 10 years ago and has been researching its history ever since. He kindly invited me for tea in the Library – a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in Cluedo! Although the main house was built circa 1634, parts of the building date back to 1480 and are still surrounded on three sides by water as was originally intended. Charles explained Robert Browne’s family connection to the estate and how he discovered how influential he was during his lifetime, both here and in America. Charles has commissioned a film telling the history of Robert Browne, Lilford and his status as ‘The Father of the Pilgrims’ when the Mayflower set sail to Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims story of seeking religious freedom has become a central theme of the history and culture of the United States and Charles would like to relay Lilford’s importance to them. Interestingly Lilford Hall reconnected with The United States when it was given over to the American Airforce during the Second World War to become the 303rd station hospital with 1,500 beds helping over 8,000 men and women who served in the 303rd Bomb Group. Charles regaled me with tales of carved heart ‘graffiti’ he has discovered on trees around the Estate from war time romances – similar to the fictional dramatisation, Downton Abbey! During this time, apparently Clark Gable enjoyed a ‘vacation’ in Lilford Hall, surrounded by the numerous nurses stationed there!
STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2014
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21/02/2014 11:05