Ken, Thomas 1631-1711
English prelate and hymnwriter

Born in Little Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, he held several livings and in 1666 was elected a Fellow of Winchester where he prepared his Manual of Prayers for Scholars of Winchester College (1674), and wrote his morning, evening, and midnight hymns, the first two of which, 'Awake, my soul', and 'Glory to Thee, my God, this night', are among the best known. In 1679 he was appointed by Charles II chaplain to Princess Mary, wife of William of Orange (later William III), but offended William, and returned home in 1680, when he became a royal chaplain. In 1683, on Charles II's visit to Winchester, Ken refused to give up his house for the accommodation of Nell Gwyn. In the same year he went to Tangiers as a chaplain, and in 1685 was consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells. The chief event of his bishopric was his trial and acquittal among the Seven Bishops in 1688 for refusing to read the Declaration of Indulgence. At the Glorious Revolution of 1688 he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to William, and was deprived of his bishopric in 1691.