Strode, William (1601-01-01 - 1645-03-10)

Baptized at Shaugh Prior in January 1603 (a younger brother was baptized there three months later and a sister in 1599, suggesting that William was about one year old). Son of Wilmot Houghton and Philip Strode, who died in 1605. His cousin Sir William Strode took responsibility for his education, allowing him to become a king's scholar at Westminster School and enter Christ Church, Oxford in 1617. BA, 1621; MA, 1624; proctor, 1629; BD, 1631; DD, 1638. While at Oxford, Strode earned a reputation as a poet, contributing verses to university publications from 1619 onwards, a reputation which led to his appointment as public orator from 1629-1645. Ordained priest in 1628. Made chaplain to Richard Corbett, bishop of Oxford and rector East Brandenham, Norfolk in 1633. Canon of Christ Church in 1638, allowing him freedom to marry. Married Mary Simpson later that year. Vicar of Badby, Northamptonshire, 1639-1642, and of Black Bourton, Oxford 1638-1645. Died suddenly 10 March 1645.