Doolittle, Thomas (1630-01-01 - 1707-05-24)

His parentage and date of birth are uncertain. There were two Thomas Doolittles baptized in Kidderminster, where he was born: 1) the son of William and Jane Doolittle (bap. 20 October, 1630), or 2) the son of Humphrey and Anne Doolittle (bap. 12 September, 1633). Educated at Kidderminster Grammar School. Converted to Presbyterianism through the sermons of Richard Baxter in approximately 1650. Admitted as sizar to Pembroke College, Cambridge, on 7 June 1649; received BA in 1653; received MA in 1656. Ordained and became minister of St. Alphage, London, in 1653, where he remained until he was ejected for nonconformity in 1662. Married Mary Gill in 1655, and had five children, including Samuel, who also became a minister. Opened a boarding school in Moorfields, London after his ejection. Moved school to Bunhill Fields, London, and briefly to Woodford Bridge, Essex, during the plague. Constantly persecuted by the Restoration government, having his possessions seized on several occasions, being arrested for unlicensed preaching, and forced to move multiple times. Maintained an illegal meetinghouse in London, which was first located at Bunhill Fields and later at Monkwell Street, 1666-1672. Obtained license for his meetinghouse in Monkwell Street, 1672-73. Established an academy at Islington, Middlesex, in 1672. Forced to move meetinghouse and academy to Wimbledon, Surrey, in 1673. Returned to Islington and Monkwell Street, c. 1680-1683. Moved to Battersea, Surrey in 1683 and to St John’s Court, Clerkenwell, Middlesex in 1687. Returned to his meetinghouse in Monkwell Street and re-established his academy in 1689, overseeing both until his death. Died on 24 May, 1707, at his home on Monkwell Street.