Thomas Hooker was born in 1586 in Markfield. He was educated at the University of Cambridge. He was the pastor of several churches from 1620 to 1630, but in 1630 her was called to appear before the Court of High Commission for non-conformist views. He fled to Holland, and preached for 3 years, before going to New England, living for a while in Massachusetts, before moving in 1636 to Connecticut. He became the leader of the new settlement of Hartford and in 1639 had a leading part in framing the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. He died in 1647 at his home in Hartford.

By Daniel J Spencer