This page is a modest attempt to catalogue some of the people who have had a significant effect on Nonconformity in Northamptonshire from the 17th to 19th centuries This brief summary of some of the key personalities from several denominations and links to further information. Reference is also made to some from other parts of the country that had a significant role in the development of Northamptonshire nonconformity. If you know of any additional links or would like to suggest personalities for my list, please contact me.
Baptists
John Bunyan (1628 – 1688) born Elstow, Bedfordshire. See the John Bunyan Online Library for all his writings including Pilgrims Progress.
Nathaniel Ponder (1640 – 1699) of Rothwell was John Bunyan’s publisher. Ponder was descended from a family of Independents in Rothwell, Northamptonshire. His father, John Ponder, was a founder member of Rothwell Independent Church.
Rev. Dr. John Gill (1697 – 1771) born Kettering. See also John Gill’s biography.
John Brine (1703 – 1765) born Kettering, subsequently pastor at Currier’s Hall, Cripplegate, London for 35 years.
Benjamin Beddome (1717 – 1798) Pastor at Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire. John Collett Ryland was a member of this church. John Collett Ryland (1723 – 1792) Member at Bourton on the Water, attended Bristol Baptist College before becoming pastor at Warwick and subsequently College Lane, Northampton. Robert Hall, Snr. (1728 – 1791) in 1753 became minister of Arnesby, Leicestershire. John Sutcliff (1752 – 1814) born near Wainsgate, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Member of John Fawcett’s church. In 1771 walked to the Bristol Baptist Academy. Pastor at Olney, Buckinghamshire. He was a leader of the Northamptonshire Baptist Association and trained over 20 ministers, including William Carey.
Reynold Hogg (1752 – 1843) was the first minister of Thrapston Baptist Church and later Kimbolton Baptist Church and a founder member of the Baptist Missionary Society
John Adams (1751 – 1835) was originally a member at College Lane, Northampton, excommunicated under John Ryland. Jnr. Co-signatory with
Edward Vorley on several Meeting House certificates around Northampton. Supported the foundation of Fish Lane Calvinistic Baptist Chapel, Northampton in 1821.
John Ryland, Jnr. (1753 – 1825) son of John Collett Ryland. He succeeded his father at College Lane, Northampton and subsequently became President of Bristol Baptist College and pastor of Broadmead Church, Bristol.
Andrew Fuller (1754 – 1815) member and pastor of Soham Baptist Church, Cambridgeshire. Ordained by Robert Hall of Arnesby in 1774. In 1783 became pastor at Kettering, Northamptonshire. Robert Hall, Jnr. (1764 – 1831)
William Gadsby (1773 – 1844) born at Attleborough, ordained by Edward Vorley of Northampton, William Hall of Irtlingborough and James Aston of Chester at Desford in 1800. Minister at Rochdale Road, Manchester from 1805 to 1844.
William Carey (1761 – 1834) born Paulerspury. Ordained by John Collett Ryland at Northampton. Trained under Sutcliff. Pastor of Moulton Baptist Church, Northampton. First Baptist Missionary in Serampore, India.
John Stevens (1776 – 1847) born Aldwinkle.
John Foreman (1792 – 1872) born Suffolk. Son in law of Edward Vorley. Minister at Laxfield, Suffolk, then 1825- 1827 Eden, Cambridge and 1827 – 1872 at Hill Street, Dorset Square, Marylebone, which moved to Mount Zion, St John’s Wood Road, London
William Knibb (1803 – 1845) born Kettering, Northamptonshire. Baptist Missionary in Jamaica. Leader of the anti-slavery campaign.
Independents
Robert Browne (1550? – 1633). In 1583 a “Dissenter” of the Church of England. Died in prison in 1633. Founder of the “Brownists”.
Nathaniel Ponder (1640 – 1699) of Rothwell was John Bunyan’s publisher. Ponder was descended from a family of Independents in Rothwell, Northamptonshire. His father, John Ponder, was a founder member of Rothwell Independent Church.
Richard Davis (1658 – 1714) minister of Rothwell Independent Church.
Philip Doddridge (1702 – 1751) minister of Castle Hill, Northampton
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