Whitlock, John (1623-01-27 - 1708-12-04)

Whitlock was born 13 January 1625 to Catherine Burdet and Richard Whitlock, merchant of London. He was admitted into Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1642 as a pensioner, earning a BA (1645/6) and MA (1649). While there, he became close friends with William Reynolds, and the two would work together throughout their careers. He and Reynolds were appointed to Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, in 1646; Wokingham, Berkshire, in 1647; and Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1649. Later that year they both refused the "engagement" with the new regime and were deprived of these posts. Their political stance won them the favour of the conservative marquess of Dorchester who appointed him as vicar of St Mary, Nottingham, in 1651, with Reynolds as his assistant. There, at Dorchester's instruction, they established a Presbyterian church order. He developed connections with fellow Presbyterians across the country which in 1652 led to his marriage to Mary, daughter of Dr. Anthony Tuckney. His religious and political views once again cost him his livings in 1662 when he refused to read the Book of Common Prayer. He continued to preach in conventicles throughout the region, operating out of Manfield, Nottinghamshire until the Declaration of Indulgence allowed him to return to Nottingham in 1687. There he and Reynolds co-founded a meeting house at High Pavement. Whitlock died on 4 December 1708. He was succeeded at High Pavement by his son, John.