Simon Aleyn

Who is Simon Aleyn?

According to Thomas Fuller and Richard Brome, 16th Century cleric, Simon Aleyn, parish priest of Bray, Berkshire, is the likely subject of the famous ballad, "The Vicar of Bray" and subsequent comic opera of the same name.

Aleyn retained his benefice during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth, he is said to have been successively Catholic, Protestant, Catholic, and Protestant in order to fulfil his principle -

"And this is law, I will maintain Unto my Dying Day, Sir. That whatsoever King may reign, I will be the Vicar of Bray, Sir!"