John Chambre facts for kids
John Chambre (sometimes spelled Chamber or Chambers) was an important English person who lived from 1470 to 1549. He was a leader in the church, a smart scholar, and a skilled doctor. He even worked as a physician for two English kings!
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John Chambre's Early Life
John Chambre was born in a place called Northumberland, in England. He went to Oxford University to study. In 1492, he became a "fellow" at Merton College there. Being a fellow meant he was a senior member of the college, often involved in teaching and research.
After his studies, he became a priest. This meant he could lead church services and work in a church. He was given a church position in a town called Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire.
Becoming a Royal Doctor
After getting his first university degree, John Chambre traveled to Italy. He went to the University of Padua to study medicine. This was a very famous place for medical learning at the time.
When he came back to England, he became a doctor to King Henry VII of England. He was so good at his job that he kept the position when King Henry VIII took over. In 1531, he earned a special medical degree called an M.D. from Oxford University.
John Chambre was also very important in starting the College of Physicians in 1518. This was a new group for doctors in England, and John Chambre was one of the first people named in its official document. He helped make sure doctors were well-trained and followed good practices. Some of his old medical recipes for lotions and plasters were even saved! He also signed a letter about the health of Queen Jane Seymour.
His Church Career
Besides being a doctor, John Chambre had many important roles in the church. He held various positions in different churches and cathedrals across England. For example, he was a "canon" at Windsor Castle for many years. He also led the collegiate chapel of St. Stephen's, Westminster.
From 1525 to 1544, John Chambre was also the "Warden" of Merton College at Oxford University. This meant he was in charge of the college, overseeing its students and staff.
Later Years and Legacy
John Chambre used his own money to build beautiful cloisters (covered walkways) at St. Stephen's chapel. However, he lived to see them taken down. This happened because of a big change in England called the Protestant Reformation, which changed how churches were run.
John Chambre passed away in 1549. He was buried in St. Margaret's, Westminster, a church near Westminster Abbey in London.
Images for kids
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A famous portrait of John Chambre painted by Hans Holbein the Younger.
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In this painting from the 1540s, John Chambre is shown next to King Henry VIII. He is watching the King give an important document to Thomas Vicary.
