He matriculated at Oxford University in 1547-48. He was Master of the Grammar School in Manchester, founded by Richard Bexwicke. When Edward VI came to the throne, Edward converted to the Church of England and "became an eminent asserter and preacher of the Gospel." He later returned to Catholicism and became Vicar of Eccles, a town close to Manchester. He later aligned with the Reformed Church and married Ann Newton, daughter of Rev. Robert Newton.