Thomas Watson (1620-1686) was a Puritan minister, an English nonconformist, and an author. Educated at Cambridge's Emmanuel College, Watson pastored St. Stephen's in Walbrook, England. After being imprisoned in 1646 for his involvement in a plot to recall England's Charles II, he was reinstated to St. Stephen's as vicar.
Watson enjoyed fame and popularity until the Restoration when his nonconformity to Protestantism gave cause for his ejection from the pastorate. Watson, however, continued to preach privately as opportunities came his way. In 1672, after the Declaration of Indulgence, Watson obtained the required license to preach at the Great Hall in Crosby House of Oundle School. His health suffered after years of ministry there, and he finally retired to Barnston, Essex. He died there while in his private place of prayer.
