Richard Allestree, English priest and academic (b. 1619)

Richard Allestree, sometimes spelled Allestry (pronounced AWL-stree; 1621/2 – 28 January 1681), was a prominent English churchman whose life was deeply intertwined with the tumultuous political and religious landscape of 17th-century England. A staunch Royalist, he remained steadfast in his allegiance to the monarchy throughout the English Civil War and the Interregnum. His unwavering loyalty and intellectual prowess eventually led to his significant appointment as the Provost of Eton College, a prestigious educational institution, a role he commenced in 1665.

A Life of Royalist Devotion and Clerical Service

Born in 1621 or 1622, Richard Allestree's early life saw him matriculate at Christ Church, Oxford, in 1639. His academic pursuits were soon interrupted by the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642. Allestree did not merely observe these conflicts; he actively participated, taking up arms for King Charles I and serving in the Royalist army. His commitment extended to dangerous missions, including acting as a trusted courier for the King. This period of his life was marked by considerable hardship and personal risk, reflecting the deep conviction of his Royalist sympathies and his belief in the divine right of kings.

Following the defeat of the Royalist cause and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, Allestree endured periods of imprisonment and deprivation, facing the direct consequences of his loyalty to the crown. Despite these challenges, he continued his work in secret, maintaining his commitment to the Anglican Church during a period when its episcopal structure and liturgical practices were suppressed. His steadfast dedication during these difficult years laid the groundwork for his influential roles after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660.

Academic and Ecclesiastical Contributions Post-Restoration

With the triumphant return of King Charles II to the throne, Richard Allestree's loyalty and intellectual gifts were duly recognized and rewarded. He quickly rose through the ranks of the restored Church of England and academia, playing a crucial role in re-establishing Anglican order and scholarship:

Provost of Eton College (1665-1681)

In 1665, Richard Allestree undertook one of his most significant administrative roles: Provost of Eton College. Eton, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, is one of England's most ancient and distinguished public schools, known for educating many prominent figures throughout history. As Provost, Allestree served as the head of the college, responsible for its overall governance, academic standards, and financial well-being. During his sixteen-year tenure until his death in 1681, he was instrumental in:

His leadership at Eton helped solidify its reputation as a leading educational institution in the post-Restoration era, reflecting his commitment not only to the Church but also to the advancement of classical learning and the education of the nation's future leaders.

Literary Legacy and The Whole Duty of Man

While Richard Allestree was primarily known as a clergyman and academic, his name is also frequently associated with one of the most widely read devotional works of the 17th century: The Whole Duty of Man. Although the exact authorship of this highly influential book remains a subject of historical debate, it is often attributed to a group of Oxford scholars who were closely aligned with the Restoration establishment, including Allestree, John Fell (his close friend and Dean of Christ Church), and Humphrey Henchman. This group is sometimes referred to as the "Clarendon Circle" due to their close association with Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, the Lord Chancellor. The Whole Duty of Man, first published anonymously in 1658, provided practical guidance on Christian living, moral obligations, and piety, resonating deeply with the Anglican ethos of the time and experiencing numerous editions throughout the centuries, becoming a staple of English devotional literature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Allestree

Who was Richard Allestree?
Richard Allestree (1621/2–1681) was a distinguished English Royalist churchman, academic, and administrator. He is remembered for his unwavering loyalty to the monarchy during the English Civil War, his significant ecclesiastical and academic appointments, and his long tenure as the Provost of Eton College.
What was Richard Allestree's connection to the English Civil War?
He was a devout Royalist who actively supported King Charles I during the English Civil War, serving in the Royalist army and undertaking dangerous missions as a royal courier. His loyalty led to periods of imprisonment and hardship during the subsequent Commonwealth period.
What significant positions did Richard Allestree hold after the Restoration?
After the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660, Allestree was appointed Canon of Christ Church, Oxford (1660), Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford (1663), and most notably, Provost of Eton College (1665), where he served until his death.
What was his role at Eton College?
As Provost of Eton College from 1665 to 1681, Richard Allestree was the head of this prestigious public school. He was responsible for its governance, financial management, and academic standards, playing a crucial role in its post-Restoration recovery and development, including restoring discipline and overseeing building projects.
Was Richard Allestree the author of The Whole Duty of Man?
While the precise authorship is debated, Richard Allestree is widely associated with The Whole Duty of Man, a highly influential devotional work of the 17th century. He was a prominent member of the "Clarendon Circle," a group of Oxford scholars to whom the book is commonly attributed, sharing its theological and moral perspectives.