JOHN

See also:

• JOHN HACKET (1592-1670)

HACKET (1592-1670)  , bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, was born in London and educated at Westminster and Trinity College, Cambridge . On taking his degree he was elected a fellow of his college, and soon afterwards wrote the comedy of Loiola (London, 1648), which was twice performed before James I . He was ordained in 1618, and through the influence of John Williams (1582-1650) became rector in 1621 of Stoke Hammond, Bucks, and Kirkby Underwood, Lincolnshire . In 1623 he was chaplain to James, and in 1624 Williams presented him to the livings of St Andrew's, Holborn, and Cheam, Surrey . When the so-called " root-and-branch bill " was before parliament in 1641, Hacket was selected to plead in the House of Commons for the continuance of cathedral establishments . In 1645 his living of St Andrew's was sequestered, but he was allowed to retain the rectory of Cheam . On the accession of Charles II. his fortunes improved; he frequently preached before the king, and in 1661 was consecrated bishop of Lichfield and Coventry . His best-known book is the excellent biography of his patron, Archbishop Williams, entitled Scrinia reserata: a Memorial offered to the great Deservings of John Williams, D.D . (London, 1693) .