Francis Tate facts for kids
Francis Tate (born 1560, died 1616) was an important English historian and politician. He was known for studying old things and history, which is why he's called an "antiquary." He also served in the English Parliament, representing areas like Northampton and Shrewsbury.
Francis Tate's Early Life and Studies
Francis Tate was born in 1560 in a place called Gayton, England. His father was Bartholomew Tate. When he was about 17, in 1577, Francis went to Magdalen College, Oxford to study.
Even though he didn't finish his degree at Oxford, he later joined the Middle Temple. This was a special place in London where people studied to become lawyers. By 1587, he was qualified to practice law. However, Francis was more interested in history and old artifacts than in being a full-time lawyer.
Francis Tate: Historian and Politician
Francis Tate was one of the first members of a group called the Society of Antiquaries. This group was made up of people who loved to study ancient history and old documents. Francis even worked as their secretary for a while. He collected many notes and ideas from the discussions held by this society.
Besides his historical work, Francis Tate was also a politician. In 1601, he was elected to the English Parliament for Northampton. This meant he helped make laws and decisions for the country.
Later, from 1604 to 1611, he served as a Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury. During this time, he also worked as a judge in parts of South Wales.
Francis Tate never married and passed away on November 11, 1616. His nephew, Zouch Tate, also became a well-known figure.
Francis Tate's Historical Writings
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Francis Tate spent a lot of his time gathering information about England's past. He made many detailed notes and collections about history. Other famous historians, like William Camden, used Francis Tate's research in their own books. A scholar named John Selden described him as someone with "great learning and deep knowledge of ancient times."
Even though Francis Tate didn't publish most of his works himself, many of his writings were printed after he died. Here are some examples of what he wrote about:
- He wrote about the history and special rights of cities, towns, and boroughs in England.
- He explored the history and rules of legal fights, called "combats," in England.
- He researched the history of knights made by religious leaders (abbots).
- He studied the history of coats of arms in England.
- He wrote about the old traditions and ceremonies of funerals in England.
- He also looked into the history and power of the High Steward of England, an important official.
- He had questions and ideas about the ancient Britons, the people who lived in Britain long ago.
- One of his important works was about the history of parliaments in England. This was published in a book called The Several Opinions of Sundry Learned Antiquaries.
- He also translated old rules for King Edward II's household from Latin into English.
Many of Francis Tate's original writings and notes are kept safe in the British Museum today.
