Symon Patrick (1626-1707) and his contribution to the post-1660 restored Church of England

History has not been kind to Symon Patrick. His 50 years of ministry spanned the closing years of Cromwell's rule and the start of Queen Anne's reign, and ranged from service as a Church of England minister in two fashionable London parishes to appointment as the 'latitudinarian' Bishop of Ely.

He influenced a major change in the character of the Established Church, as it moved from a confrontational fundamentalism to the broad tolerance that exists today.

Patrick wrote over 100 books that helped to define his Church.

This text assesses the significance and quality of Patrick's contribution to the Church of England, carefully placing it against the background of the history and politics of the time and suggesting why his reputation faded after his death.

Puritanism, Latitudinarianism, pilgrimage, women's religion and spirituality, and prose style are all topics touched on here.