| Ralph Brownrigg | |
| Bishop of Exeter | |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Exeter |
| Term: | 1642–1646 |
| Predecessor: | Joseph Hall |
| Successor: | John Gauden |
| Nationality: | British |
| Religion: | Anglican |
| Alma Mater: | Pembroke Hall, Cambridge |
| Consecration: | 15 May 1642 |
| Consecrated By: | John Williams |
Ralph Brownrigg or Brownrig (1592–1659) was bishop of Exeter from 1642 to 1646. He spent that time largely in exile from his see, which he perhaps never visited.[1] He did find a position there for Seth Ward.[2] He was both a Royalist in politics, and a Calvinist in religion,[3] an unusual combination of the period. Brownrigg opposed Laudianism in Cambridge during the 1630s and at the Short Parliament Convocation of 1640. Nominated to the Westminster Assembly,[4] he apparently took no part in it.
He studied at Ipswich and Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. He was awarded an M.A. in 1614 and a D.D. in 1626.[5] He was Rector of St Margaret of Antioch, Barley, Hertfordshire, in 1621.[6]
He was Master of St Catharine's College, Cambridge,[7] and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, but in 1646 was ejected from both these positions, by the Parliamentary government.[8] He was also deprived of his See by Parliament on 9 October 1646, as episcopacy was abolished for the duration of the Commonwealth and the Protectorate.[9] [10]
He took refuge with Thomas Rich, lord of the manor of Sonning.[11]
He continued to preach, for example at the Temple Church,[3] and a collection of sermons of his was published posthumously.[12]