Bernard Garter facts for kids

Bernard Garter was an English writer who lived during the years 1565 to 1579. He wrote poems and other pieces. He was known for writing against the Pope and the Catholic Church of his time. Some of his famous works include The tragicall and true historie which happened betweene two English lovers and A New Yeares Gifte.

Who Was Bernard Garter?

Bernard Garter called himself a "citizen of London" on his book covers. Historians have tried to figure out more about his family. One historian, Joseph Hunter, thought Bernard was the second son of Sir William Garter from London. Hunter also believed Bernard was the father of another Bernard Garter, who lived in Brigstocke, Northamptonshire.

However, other records from 1633 to 1635 tell a different story. These records say that "Barnerd Garter of Brikstocke" was the son of Thomas Garter. This Bernard was married to Elizabeth Catelyne and had a son named George Garter. George was alive in 1634. So, there is some mystery about Bernard Garter's exact family tree.

What Did Bernard Garter Write?

Bernard Garter wrote several interesting works during his time. Here are some of his known writings:

The Tragicall and True Historie

• The tragicall and true historie which happened betweene two English lovers was published in 1563 and again in 1565.
• This book was written in a style similar to a ballad, which is a type of song or poem that tells a story.
• It was inspired by another popular story, Romeus and Juliet, written by Arthur Broke in 1561.
• A copy of this very rare book was kept in a special library in Britwell in 1890.

A New Yeares Gifte

• A New Yeares Gifte was published in 1579.
• The full title was A New Yeares Gifte, dedicated to the Popes Holinesse and all Catholikes addicted to the Sea of Rome: prepared the first day of Januarie by B. G., Citizen of London.
• This work was written against Catholics. It included poems and other writings that criticized the Pope and the Catholic Church.
• The book also reprinted a letter from 1537. This letter was sent by two bishops, Cuthbert Tunstall and John Stokesley, to Cardinal Reginald Pole. The letter supported the idea that the King of England was the supreme head of the church in England, not the Pope.
• A New Yeares Gifte also contained stories about Pope Alexander II and Pope Gregory VII. It also talked about Elizabeth Barton, who was known as the Maid of Kent, and her supposed tricks.
• A version of this book was approved for printing in 1565.

Other Possible Works

Bernard Garter might have written other pieces too:

• He contributed to a play called The joyfull receavinge of the Quenes ma^tie into Norwiche. This play was performed when Queen Elizabeth I visited Norwich in 1578. Garter worked on a part of it called a masque with Henry Goldingham.
• He may have written some introductory poems for a book called Pasquin in a Trance. This book was a translation from Italian and was published around 1565.
• Some historians think he also wrote a poem based on Ovid's story of Helen's letter to Paris in 1570.
• Another book, Ludus Scacchiæ: Chesse-playe, a game pleasant, wittie, and politicall, published in 1597, is also sometimes thought to be his work.