Obadiah Walker, English historian and academic (b. 1616)

Obadiah Walker (1616 – 21 January 1699) was a prominent English academic and Master of University College, Oxford, a highly influential position he held from 1676 to 1688. His tenure at one of Oxford's most ancient and esteemed institutions was notably marked by significant religious and political controversy, directly reflecting the tumultuous shifts and deep divisions within 17th-century England.

Born in 1616, Walker matriculated at University College, Oxford, in 1633, embarking on a scholarly career that would see him progress to become a Fellow and, ultimately, the Master of his foundational college. As an academic, he was recognized for his intellectual pursuits and administrative capabilities within the complex university system. The role of Master of University College was, and continues to be, a singularly influential position, encompassing the comprehensive leadership of the college, meticulous oversight of its finances, strategic academic direction, and rigorous student discipline. This placed him directly at the heart of the intellectual, social, and religious life of Oxford during a period of intense ideological conflict.

Walker’s Mastership specifically coincided with a deeply divisive period in English history, most notably the reign of the openly Catholic King James II (1685-1688). While historical evidence suggests he may have secretly converted to Roman Catholicism as early as 1676, the very year he assumed the Mastership, he initially maintained this conversion with discretion. However, under the protection and encouragement of King James II, Walker became a remarkably vocal and active proponent of Catholicism within the predominantly Anglican university environment. He controversially transformed University College into what effectively functioned as a Catholic seminary, establishing a dedicated printing press within the college. This press was specifically purposed for publishing Catholic literature and devotional works, notably producing a Catholic catechism and new translations of various religious texts. Furthermore, he explicitly permitted the celebration of Catholic Mass within the college chapel and admitted several Roman Catholic students and fellows, actions that directly and defiantly challenged the established Anglican order and parliamentary statutes of the time, particularly the Test Acts.

His unwavering loyalty to King James II and his resolute efforts to promote Catholicism fundamentally led to his dramatic downfall during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. When William of Orange successfully invaded England, prompting James II to flee, Walker, alongside other prominent Catholic sympathizers, was swiftly arrested. He was subsequently committed to the notorious Tower of London on severe charges of high treason, specifically accused of attempting to subvert the established religion and government of the realm. Although he was eventually released from the Tower due to insufficient prosecution, he was definitively deprived of his Mastership at University College and spent the remainder of his life in relative obscurity, effectively ending his public career. Obadiah Walker’s compelling story offers a profound and singular insight into the intense religious tensions and profound political upheavals that irrevocably defined late 17th-century England, powerfully showcasing the personal risks and professional sacrifices associated with religious nonconformity during a period of extensive societal and governmental change.

Frequently Asked Questions about Obadiah Walker

When was Obadiah Walker Master of University College, Oxford?

Obadiah Walker served as the Master of University College, Oxford, from 1676 to 1688, a period coinciding with significant religious and political shifts in England.

Why was Obadiah Walker a controversial figure?

Walker became a highly controversial figure primarily due to his conversion to Roman Catholicism, which he openly embraced during the reign of King James II (1685-1688). He actively promoted Catholicism within University College, an institution of the Anglican Church, by establishing a Catholic printing press, permitting Catholic services, and admitting Catholic students and fellows. These actions were in direct opposition to the prevailing Anglican establishment and parliamentary laws of the era, leading to his eventual arrest after the Glorious Revolution.

What happened to Obadiah Walker after the Glorious Revolution?

Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Obadiah Walker was imprisoned in the Tower of London on charges of treason for his loyalty to James II and his promotion of Catholicism. Although he was ultimately released, he was permanently removed from his position as Master of University College and retired from public life, living in obscurity until his death.