Brett, Thomas (1667-09-03 - 1744-03-05)

Born in Betteshanger, Kent on 3 September 1667. Educated at Wye Grammar School until 1684 when he entered Queens' College,Cambridge. After an interruption in his studies in 1687, he returned to Corpus Christi in 1690 and proceeded LLB that year; LLD in 1697. Ordained deacon in December 1690, he became curate of Folkestone in 1691, before his ordination as priest and subsequent appointment as lecturer of Islington in October 1691. In 1696, he vacated Islington for the curacy of Great Chart where he married Bridget Toke (1677-1765). They had twelve children. In 1697, he moved to Wye, Kent, and became rector of Betteshanger in 1703. Rector of Ruckinge and vicar of Chislet in 1705. He became increasingly sympathetic to the exiled monarchy and refused to take oaths and resigned his livings upon the accession of George I. He held a conventicle in his house in Spring Grove, Kent. Consecrated nonjuror bishop in 1716. He died in Spring Grove on 5 March 1744.