Hardy, Nathaniel (1619-09-14 - 1670-06-01)

Born in Old Bailey, London, likely 14 September 1619 to Martin and Ann Ludgate. Admitted commoner at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in October 1633. BA from Magdalen Hall, 1635; MA from Hart Hall (Oxford), 1638, incorporated at Cambridge the following year. Became lecturer at St Mary-at-Hill in 1643, before being appointed minister at St Dionis Backchurch. Although originally of puritan sentiments, he increasingly accepted the doctrines and worship of the Church of England as the 1640s wore on, making him a popular preacher with royalists. He nevertheless retained support from members of the House of Commons and continued his ministry at St Dionis during the civil war and interregnum. Upon his return, Charles II appointed Hardy as one of his chaplains-in-ordinary. In 1660, he was also created DD of Hart Hall, made rector of St Dionis, and dean of Rochester. Also rector of Henley-on-Thames, 1660-1662. Left St Dionis to become vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, 1661-1664. Archdeacon of Lewes from 1667 to his death at Croydon, Surrey, on 1 June 1670.