John Clapham (historian and poet) facts for kids

John Clapham (1566–1619) was an English historian and poet. He lived during a time when England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. John Clapham wrote poems and important history books. He also worked for powerful people in the government.

A Busy Life

John Clapham was born in London in 1566. Around 1590, he started working for Lord Burghley. Lord Burghley was a very important person. He was the Queen's chief minister, like a top advisor.

Clapham did many jobs for Lord Burghley. He helped manage money and government affairs. He also helped repair England's coastal defenses. He even looked after matters related to young people who inherited land. Clapham was very close to Lord Burghley. He was there when Lord Burghley passed away in 1598.

In 1602, John Clapham joined Gray's Inn. This was a place where lawyers were trained. He worked as one of the Six Clerks in the Court of Chancery. This was a high court in England. He worked there until 1618.

In 1608, Clapham built a hospital called Christ's Hospital. He built it in his father's home area of Firby (Bedale). He continued to support this hospital until he died in 1619. John Clapham had a wife named Ann and one son. It is thought he was buried in London at St. Dunstan-in-the-West.

His Writings

John Clapham wrote many interesting works.

Narcissus

One of his poems was called Narcissus. It was written in Latin in 1591. The poem tells the story of a young man named Narcissus. It warns against being too proud or admiring yourself too much. This is called philautia (self-admiration).

The poem was based on an old story by Ovid. Ovid was a famous Roman poet. His story was about Echo and Narcissus in his book Metamorphoses. Clapham's poem also used ideas from another famous Roman poet, Virgil.

Some people think Lord Burghley asked Clapham to write Narcissus. It might have been a gentle warning to a young nobleman. This nobleman was not keen on getting married. People still discuss if the poem was truly about marriage. They also wonder if it was a compliment or a gentle scolding.

Other Poems and Translations

Clapham also wrote poems when Thomas Bodley died in 1613. Bodley was famous for starting the Bodleian Library at Oxford. John Clapham also wrote other original works. He translated some writings from other languages into English.

History Books

Clapham's most important history book was Historie of Great Britannie. It was first published in 1602. This book covered the time when the Romans took over Britain. It started with the invasion by Julius Caesar in 55 BC.

In 1606, he published a longer version of this book. This updated book continued the story up to the ninth century. It ended with the Anglo-Saxon king, King Egbert.

Clapham started another history book in 1603. It was called Certain Observations Concerning the Life and Reign of Queen Elizabeth. This book included a long story about Lord Burghley's life. It also featured other important people. Clapham wrote it using his own memories. He also got information from Robert Cecil, Lord Burghley's younger son.