Gilbert Kymer facts for kids
Gilbert Kymer (died 1463) was an important person in 15th-century England. He was a physician (a doctor), a leader at Salisbury Cathedral as its Dean, and the head of University of Oxford as its Chancellor.
Early Life and Education
Gilbert Kymer studied at the famous University of Oxford. While he was there, he took on several important roles. From 1412 to 1413, he was a proctor of the University. A proctor was like a senior official who helped keep order and manage the university's rules.
He also served as the Principal of Hart Hall, Oxford from 1412 to 1414. A Principal was the head of a college or hall, similar to a school principal today. Kymer was chosen to be the Chancellor of Oxford University not just once, but twice! The Chancellor was the highest leader of the university.
A Doctor's Big Idea
In 1423, Gilbert Kymer had a big idea to improve medical education. He wanted to create a special college for both surgeons and physicians. He worked with two other people, John Somerset and Thomas Morstede, to try and make this happen.
However, their plans for this new medical college did not work out. The idea fell apart in November 1424. Even though it didn't happen, it shows that Kymer was thinking about how to make medical training better.
Church and Royal Service
Gilbert Kymer also had a significant career in the church. In 1427, he became the Dean of Wimborne Minster, which is a large church in Dorset, England. A Dean is a senior priest who manages a cathedral or a large church.
Later, in 1449, he became the Dean of Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire. This was a very important position. While he was Dean there, he lived in a place called Leaden Hall.
Besides his church roles, Kymer was also a trusted doctor for important people. He was the physician for Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, who was a powerful duke and a brother to the king. In 1455, Kymer also served as a doctor for King Henry VI himself. This shows how respected and skilled he was as a physician.
