Jasper Fisher facts for kids

Jasper Fisher (who was active around 1639) was an English Anglican priest and a writer of plays. He lived during the 1600s.

Fisher was born in 1591. His father, William Fisher, was from Carleton, Bedfordshire. William worked as a deputy-auditor for the county of York. Jasper's mother was Alice Roane.

Early Life and Education

Jasper Fisher started his studies at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in November 1607. He earned his first degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1611. He then received his Master of Arts degree in 1614. Later, in 1639, he earned two more advanced degrees in theology. At Magdalen College, he worked as a reader, teaching subjects like religion or philosophy.

Fisher passed away in 1643. It is said that he became blind, but no one knows if it was due to old age or an accident. He was married to Elizabeth Sams, whose father was also a priest.

His Writings

Around 1631, Jasper Fisher became the rector (a type of priest in charge of a church) in Wilden, Bedfordshire.

In 1633, he published his most important work, a play called Fuimus Troes. The full title was Fuimus Troes, the True Trojans, being a story of the Britaines valour at the Romanes first invasion. This play was performed by students at Magdalen College in Oxford.

The play is written in a style called blank verse, which is poetry without rhymes. It also includes songs. Characters like ancient Celtic priests (Druids), poets, and a harper appear in the play. It ends with a special performance called a masque and a chorus.

Fisher also published some sermons, which are speeches given by a priest. One of his sermons was based on a passage from the Bible (Malachi 2, verse 7) and was published in 1636. Another sermon, called 'The Priest's Duty and Dignity', was given in Ampthill in 1635 and also published in 1636.