John Simpson, controversial and fervent Puritan preacher, baptised 25 April 1615. The son of a gentleman, he matriculated at Oxford and graduated to BA and MA. From 1642, he preached at St Dunstan's and St Botolph, Aldgate. Twenty years of preaching found him clashing with Parliament, Church and monarchy, including time imprisoned. He fought as a major against Charles II at Worcester, but attacked Oliver Cromwell in his sermons. Cromwell took a lenient attitude towards him and Simpson came to accept the regime. The restoration of the monarchy encouraged his anti-monarchist views, leading to his arrest. He was released after taking oaths of allegience and supremacy and died soon after. The memorial stone was seen free-standing in 1794, but has since been incorporated into the south wall.
John Simpson, controversial and fervent Puritan preacher, baptised 25 April 1615. The son of a gentleman, he matriculated at Oxford and graduated to BA and MA. From 1642, he preached at St Dunstan's and St Botolph, Aldgate. Twenty years of preaching found him clashing with Parliament, Church and monarchy, including time imprisoned. He fought as a major against Charles II at Worcester, but attacked Oliver Cromwell in his sermons. Cromwell took a lenient attitude towards him and Simpson came to accept the regime. The restoration of the monarchy encouraged his anti-monarchist views, leading to his arrest. He was released after taking oaths of allegience and supremacy and died soon after. The memorial stone was seen free-standing in 1794, but has since been incorporated into the south wall.
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