RECTOR, VICAR, CURATE…OH MY!

Over the past several months, I’ve shared the stories of William Browne (1534-1613), Joseph Browne (1561-1633), and William Browne (1585-1650) who were members of the clergy during the Protestant Reformation. Trying to make sense of the Reformation’s impact on the church and to understand the various levels of clergy, however, nearly drove me batty.  

William Browne (1585-1650) – Curate, Schoolmaster & Merchant

Before my 10^th great grandfather William Browne was even born his future was seemingly laid out before him. Browne men, after all, were educated at Cambridge and spent their lives serving as the rector or vicar of a parish church. 

Joseph Browne (1561-1633) – The Rector of Rusper

Joseph Browne was the eldest son of William Browne and his wife Magdalene, whose story I recounted last month. Like his father before him, he was educated at Cambridge University and became a member of the clergy.

William Browne (1534-1613) - The Rector of Horley

In my previous post I told the story of Phebe Browne, my 9^th great grandmother, her journey to and life in America. Now it’s time for me to tell the story of her forefathers and the religious turmoil that impacted their lives.

Phebe Browne (1620-1664) - The Immigrant

It was surprising for me to see how many historians and genealogists have written about my 9th great grandmother, Phebe Browne. A Google search for her name returns nearly 50,000 results—a staggering number for a woman who lived in the 1600s.