Griffith, Matthew (1599-03-25 - 1665-10-14)

Matthew Griffith was born in London, c. 1599. Initially admitted at Brasenose College, Oxford, in May 1615, he graduated B.A. from Gloucester Hall on 3 February 1619. Subsequently, he was awarded an M.A. degree from Christ's College in 1621. In 1624, perhaps through the influence of John Donne, he became rector of St Mary Magdalen, Old Fish Street, London. On 31 October 1631, he became lecturer at St Dunstan-in-the-West, London. Griffith was presented to the rectory of St Benet Sherehog on 29 April 1640. His livings were sequestered in 1643. Fleeing to Oxford, he was awarded the degree of D.D. and became a royal chaplain. In the Restoration, Griffith resumed his position as rector of St Mary Magdalen, also gaining the rectory of Bladon, Oxfordshire. On 14 October 1665, he died at Bladon.