Francis Bevans facts for kids

Francis Bevans (born around 1530, died 1602) was an important Welsh lawyer. He became the head, or "Principal," of Jesus College, Oxford, a famous university college, from 1586 until his death.

Early Life and Education

Francis Bevans was born in a town called Carmarthen in Wales. He loved to study and became a "Fellow" at All Souls College, Oxford in 1573. This meant he was a senior member of the college.

He studied law and earned several important degrees. He got a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1579. Then, he earned another law degree from Cambridge University in 1581. Finally, he received a Doctor of Civil Law degree from Oxford in 1583. These degrees showed he was a very skilled lawyer.

Leading Colleges

Bevans took on important leadership roles at Oxford University. He was the Principal of New Inn Hall, Oxford from 1585 to 1586. Soon after, in 1586, he became the Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. He held this position until he died in 1602.

During his time as Principal of Jesus College, Bevans also worked as a "chancellor" for Herbert Westfaling. Westfaling was the Bishop of Hereford, an important church leader. Because of this, Francis Bevans spent a lot of his time in Hereford.

When Bevans was away, another person named Griffith Powell helped run Jesus College. Griffith Powell later became the Principal of the college himself in 1613. Francis Bevans passed away in Hereford, England, in 1602. This was the same year that Bishop Westfaling also died.