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Samuel Harsnett was the
son of a baker in Colchester, Essex. He was Vicar of Chigwell between
1597 and 1605. During this time he wrote two books against supposed
exorcisms and in defence of usury. He was read by Shakespeare who
adopted Harsnett's names of the spirits for Edgar's speech in King Lear.
After a distinguished university and episcopal career, he became Archbishop
of York in November 1628. The following year he founded a Latin School
(now Chigwell School) and an English School (Now Chigwell County Primary).
He was buried with his wofe Thomazine in the Lady Chapel.
The translation on the brass reads: "Here lies Samuel Harsnett,
formerly Vicar of this Church, first the unworthy Bishop of Chichester,
next the more unworthy Bishop of Norwich, and finally the most unworthy
Archbishop of York who dies 25.5.1631 which very epitaph, out of his abundant
humility, this most revered prelate arranged in his will to be placed for
himself"
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