Edward Lapworth facts for kids

Edward Lapworth (born 1574, died 1636) was an English doctor and a poet who wrote in Latin. He was also the very first professor (called a "Sedleian reader") of natural philosophy at the University of Oxford.

Edward Lapworth's Life and Education

Lapworth grew up in Warwickshire, England. His father was also a doctor, who worked for a nobleman named Henry Berkeley.

Studying at Oxford University

Edward Lapworth started his studies at St Alban Hall, Oxford, in 1592. He earned his first degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1592 and his Master of Arts degree in 1595.

From 1598 to 1610, he worked as the headmaster of Magdalen College School.

Becoming a Doctor

Lapworth continued his studies at Magdalen College to become a doctor. He officially received his license to practice medicine in 1605. He then earned his medical degrees (Bachelor of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine) in 1611.

He was involved in important academic discussions about medicine and natural philosophy at Oxford. Sometimes, he was allowed to miss university meetings to focus on his medical work. Around 1617 and 1619, he practiced medicine in Faversham, a town in Kent.

Professor at Oxford

In 1618, Edward Lapworth was chosen to be the first Sedleian reader in natural philosophy. This was a new teaching position created by William Sedley. The position officially began in 1621.

In 1619, he also became the Linacre physic lecturer, another important teaching role in medicine. From then on, he spent part of the year teaching in Oxford. During the summer, he often practiced medicine in Bath, Somerset.

Edward Lapworth passed away in Bath on May 23, 1636. He had retired from his teaching job at Oxford the year before. He was buried in Bath Abbey.

Edward Lapworth's Writings and Poetry

Edward Lapworth was a very educated person who enjoyed writing poems for special occasions. Another poet, John Davies of Hereford, even praised his work.

Poems for Special Events

One notable event where his songs were featured was the wedding of Sir Robert Coke to Theophila Berkeley in 1613.

Lapworth's poems appeared in many different books. A scholar named John Rouse Bloxam found at least 13 of his poems. These poems often celebrated important royal events or honored famous people, like William, the son of Lord Grey de Wilton.

He also contributed poems to other authors' books, such as Joshua Sylvester's Du Bartas, his Devine Weekes and Workes (published in 1605). He also wrote for a book by Edward Jorden about Naturall Bathes and Minerall Waters.

Edward Lapworth's Family

Edward Lapworth was married twice. His first wife was Mary Coxhead, who passed away in 1621. His second wife was Margery, who was the daughter of Sir George Snigg. Margery was also the widow of George Chaldecot.

Edward Lapworth had a son named Michael, who started studying at Magdalen College in 1621 when he was 17 years old. He also had a daughter named Anne. Anne was his main heir, and she later became the mother of a playwright named William Joyner.