John Bekinsau facts for kids
John Bekinsau (born around 1496, died 1559) was a smart English scholar and religious writer. He was known for his deep knowledge of ancient Greek and for writing about who should lead the church in England.
Contents
A Scholar's Journey
John Bekinsau was born in a village called Broadchalke in Wiltshire, England, around 1496. His father, also named John Bekinsau, lived in Hartley Wespell, Hampshire. Young John went to Winchester School, a famous school, and then studied at New College, Oxford.
University Days
At Oxford, John Bekinsau became a Fellow of his college in 1520. This meant he was a senior member of the university. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1526. People at Oxford, like the historian Anthony Wood, thought he was an amazing Greek scholar. He knew the language very well!
Learning in Paris
After Oxford, John Bekinsau traveled to Paris, France. There, he taught Greek at the university. This was probably soon after 1530. This was an important time because Francis I of France had just started new teaching positions and helped bring back the study of Greek in Paris.
Life Changes
John Bekinsau later returned to England. In 1538, he got married. Because of the rules at the time, getting married meant he had to leave his position as a Fellow at the college.
He was a friend of John Leland, another scholar. Leland even wrote a poem about a book Bekinsau was planning to write, praising his learning and studies in Paris.
Political Role
During the time of Queen Mary I, John Bekinsau became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented areas like Downton and Hindon. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
When Queen Elizabeth I became queen, Bekinsau moved to Sherburne, a village in Hampshire. He died there and was buried on December 20, 1559.
His Important Book
John Bekinsau wrote one main book that we still have today. It is called De supremo et absoluto Regis imperio. This means On the Supreme and Absolute Rule of the King. It was published in London in 1546. The book was later printed again in 1611 in a collection by Melchior Goldast.
What the Book Was About
Bekinsau dedicated his book to King Henry VIII. In the book, he argued that the King should be the head of the church in England, right after Christ. He believed the King's power was greater than the Pope's power in England. To support his ideas, he used many quotes from early Christian writers, especially John Chrysostom.
