Everard Digby (scholar) facts for kids
Everard Digby was an English scholar who lived in the 1500s. He was a student and teacher at St John's College, Cambridge. Digby is best known for writing the first book about swimming ever published in England. This book, called De Arte Natandi, came out in 1587 and was written in Latin. It was a practical guide, much like another famous book from his college, Toxophilus, which taught people about archery.
Everard Digby's Life and Studies
Everard Digby was born around 1550. He started his studies at St John's College, Cambridge, in 1567 as a "sizar." This meant he received financial help in exchange for doing certain duties at the college. He became a scholar in 1570 and earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1571. He continued his studies, getting his M.A. in 1574 and a B.D. (Bachelor of Divinity) in 1581.
Digby became a "fellow" at the college in 1573, which meant he was a senior member and teacher. By 1585, he was a senior fellow and even served as a main lecturer in 1584. He also took part in a play called Richardus Tertius that was performed at the college in 1580.
Why Digby Left College
Before the end of 1587, Everard Digby was removed from his position as a fellow. The head of St John's College, William Whitaker, explained why in a letter. He said Digby owed money to the college. Whitaker also mentioned that Digby had preached about "voluntary poverty" at a church, which was seen as a religious idea that some people disagreed with at the time.
Digby also criticized people known as Calvinists and was sometimes disrespectful to the college master. Whitaker even mentioned that Digby would blow a horn and shout loudly in the college during the day! Important people like Lord Burghley and John Whitgift tried to get Digby back into his position. However, Whitaker stood firm and, with support from the Earl of Leicester, Digby's removal was confirmed.
Images for kids
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An illustration from Digby's book De arte natandi.
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Another illustration from the swimming book.
