[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.

[9] 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.

[10][11] He took refuge with Thomas Rich, lord of the manor of Sonning.

[12] He continued to preach, for example at the Temple Church,[3] and a collection of sermons of his was published posthumously.