Griffith Powell facts for kids

Griffith Powell (born 1561 – died 15 or 28 June 1620) was an important thinker and the leader, or Principal, of Jesus College, Oxford. He was in charge of the college from 1613 until his death in 1620.

Early Life and Education

Griffith Powell was born in Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, Wales. He was the third of four sons of John ap Hywel.

In 1581, Griffith Powell joined Jesus College, Oxford. He worked hard and earned several university degrees:

• His first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1584.
• A Master of Arts (MA) in 1589.
• A Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) in 1593.

In 1589, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the college. A Fellow is like a senior member or a teacher who helps run the college. Even before he became Principal, Griffith Powell played a big role in leading Jesus College. For a short time, he lost his position as a Fellow, but it was quickly given back to him.

Contributions to Philosophy

Griffith Powell was a philosopher, which means he studied big questions about knowledge and existence. He wrote two important books about the ideas of an ancient Greek thinker named Aristotle. These books were:

• Analysis analyticorum posteriorum (published in 1594)
• De sophisticis elenchis (published in 1598)

In 1599, he received another high degree called a Doctor of Civil Law (DCL).

Leading Jesus College

Griffith Powell became the Principal of Jesus College in 1613. He was a very good leader and helped the college grow.

Building Projects

During his time as Principal, Griffith Powell asked many important people to donate money for new college buildings. He helped raise a lot of money, about £838. This money was used to build parts of the college, including:

• The chapel (a place for worship)
• The main hall (where students ate)
• The buttery (a room for food and drink)
• The kitchen

People from different places contributed money:

• Merchants and wealthy people from London gave £259.
• Citizens of Oxford gave £160.
• People from Wales and nearby areas gave £341.
• Seven religious leaders from Wales gave £78, with Richard Parry, the Bishop of St Asaph, giving a large part of this.

The college hall still has some of the original wooden panels, three tables, and two benches from this time.

Financial Success

Griffith Powell was also very careful with the college's money. Because of his good management, Jesus College was able to have more Fellows and students living there. The college became very popular, especially with students from South Wales.

Later Life and Legacy

Griffith Powell passed away in 1620. He was buried near the college in the Church of St Michael at the Northgate.

He left all his property to Jesus College. The college used the money from his estate to buy land in Flintshire. This land belonged to the college until 1966. The college chapel, which he worked so hard to fund, was finished within a year of his death. Griffith Powell's efforts greatly helped Jesus College become a stronger and more successful place of learning.