Alsop, Vincent (1630-08-01 - 1703-05-08)

Baptised on 30 August, 1630, at South Collingham, Nottinghamshire. Son of Judith and George Alsop, rector of South Collingham. Attended Uppingham Grammar School. Educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, from 1648, but there is no record of his graduation. Became assistant master at Oakham School, Rutland, in 1657. Married Elizabeth King in May 1657. Converted to Presbyterianism by Benjamin King, his father-in-law. Ordained as minister and received curacy of Langham, Rutland, in 1657. Rector at Wilby, Northamptonshire, 1658-1662, until he was ejected. Began preaching at Oakham and Wellingborough. Licensed to minister in his house at Geddington, Northamptonshire, in 1672. Succeeded Thomas Cawton at Tothill Street, Westminster, 1677-1703. Allied himself with James II, Quakers, Baptists, and other Presbyterians to respond to High Anglican persecution in the late 1680s. Manager of the Common Fund to support Presbyterian and Congregationalist ministers from July 1690. Supported the "Happy Union" of the two denominations in 1691. One of the lecturers for the joint lecture at Pinners' Hall, London, 1685-1694. One of the founders of the Presbyterian lectures at Salters’ Hall, London, in 1694. Participated in the first public ordination among dissenters in London since 1662 in 1694. Died at Tothill Street on 8 May 1703.