Henry White (academic) facts for kids

Henry White was an English priest, a smart academic, and a lawyer who lived a long time ago. He became a doctor of law. In 1531, he was a very important leader at the University of Oxford. He was like the head of the university, called the Vice-Chancellor. He also led the school where people learned about church law.

Henry White's Early Life and Family

Henry White was the oldest son of Robert White and Kateryn Wells. His father, Robert, was a successful merchant from Farnham, a town in England. When Robert died in 1518, he had eight sons and three daughters.

Robert made sure his children would inherit his properties. He divided his lands in different areas like Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire among his six older sons. Henry received his father's lands in Aldershot and Camberley. However, his mother, Kateryn, was allowed to use all the family properties during her lifetime.

Education and Career at Oxford

Henry White studied at New College, Oxford from 1515 to 1527. This college was connected to Winchester College, another famous school. Henry was a Fellow there, which means he was a senior member of the college.

He worked hard and earned several degrees. In 1524, he became a Bachelor of Civil Law. A few years later, in 1527, he earned a Bachelor of Canon Law. Then, in 1528, he became a Doctor of Canon Law. This showed he was very knowledgeable about church law.

Henry was also the head of New Inn Hall from 1529 to 1530. In 1531, he became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. This was a very important job, like being the main leader of the whole university. He also became the principal, or chief leader, of the school that taught church law.

Henry had a younger brother named John White. John also studied at New College and later became a bishop. He was the Bishop of Lincoln and then the Bishop of Winchester. John also became the headmaster of Winchester College.

Later Life and Legacy

Henry White passed away in 1538. He left behind a will, which is a legal document that says what should happen to his belongings after he dies. He chose three important people to carry out his wishes. These included Dr. John London, who was the Warden of New College, and Dr. John Holyman. His brother, Dr. John White, was also one of the executors.

By the time Henry died, he was also helping to manage the will of his brother Robert, for Robert's children. Some of Henry's own properties, like those in Finchampstead, Cove, and Winchfield, went to his brother John. His lands in Aldershot went to another brother, John White the younger. This younger John later became a Member of Parliament and the Lord Mayor of London.