Cranston, Andrew
| Dates | 1683-1708 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Reigate, Surrey | ||
| Vocation | Minister | ||
| Place of Birth | |||
| Marriage | Mary Williamson | ||
| Issue | Elizabeth | ||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Attended Edinburgh University graduating BA 1673. Cranston was presented to the parish of Greenock, Renfrewshire in 1681 by Sir John Schaw. Received a testimonial for ordination from the presbytery at Renfrew on 1 June and was instituted on 5 July 1681. Left parish after 9 months and refused to subscribe to the Test Act. Cranston moved to England in May 1683, settling in Reigate. In 1693 he was instituted to the parish church of Shepton Mallet, Somerset – not resident there but ceded Shepton to become vicar of Reigate upon father-in-law’s death, 29 October 1697. Cranston also inherited the mastership of Reigate Free School, occupying both offices until his death. From 1699 he was vicar of Newdigate. In early 1701, Cranston founded a lending library in Reigate parish church; initially intended for clergy but terms expanded in deed of 4 November 1708 establishing it as a public library. Cranston died on 11 December 1708 and is buried in the vestry of Reigate church.
