John Doget facts for kids

John Doget (born around 1435, died 1501) was an important English person. He was a diplomat, a smart scholar, and a Renaissance humanist. This means he loved learning and new ideas during the Renaissance period. He was also the nephew of a very important church leader, Cardinal Thomas Bourchier, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Who Was John Doget?

John Doget lived a life full of learning and important work. He helped kings and popes, and he wrote books. His journey started in a small town and led him to famous universities and even to other countries.

Early Life and Education

John Doget was born in a town called Sherborne in Dorset, England. He was likely educated at home by his uncle, Cardinal Bourchier. Around 1447, he became a special student at Eton College. This was a school for smart young boys.

From Eton, John went on to King's College, Cambridge, in 1451. He became a fellow there in 1454. Being a fellow meant he was a senior member of the college.

A Life of Learning

In 1460, John Doget became a priest. He earned his Master of Theology degree in 1464. This showed his deep knowledge of religious studies.

Later that same year, he left Cambridge. He traveled to Bologna, a city in Italy. There, he studied Canon law. This is the set of rules and laws used by the Catholic Church. He earned his doctorate degree in Canon law in 1469. He then returned to Cambridge in 1463.

Diplomat and Royal Advisor

John Doget was a skilled diplomat. This means he was good at representing his country in talks with other nations. In 1479, he was sent to Rome. His job was to help make peace between Pope Sixtus IV and the city of Florence. He also worked with leaders from Sicily and Hungary.

After this, he was chosen for another important mission. He was sent to meet Christian I of Denmark, the King of Denmark. In 1483, he became a personal chaplain to King Richard III. This meant he was a religious advisor to the king.

His Important Writings

Between 1473 and 1486, John Doget wrote a very important book. It was called Examinatorium in Phaedonem Platonis. This was the first philosophical book written by an English humanist. A humanist was someone who studied human achievements and values.

Doget's book was a commentary on a work by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, called the Phaedo. He used a Latin translation of Plato's text. Doget's goal was to show how some of Plato's ideas were similar to Christian beliefs. He explained difficult parts of the Phaedo. He wanted to highlight how Plato's ideas could fit with Christian teachings.

He used other ancient texts in his work, like a Latin version of the Pimander by Hermes Trismegistus. He looked at these old writings through a Christian lens. He likely chose the Phaedo because it could be seen as a story that matched Christian ideas. Another humanist, Robert Sherborn, later bought Doget's original book.

Leading King's College

In 1499, King Henry VII appointed John Doget. He became the provost of King's College. This was a very important leadership role at the college.

In 1500, Doget got a special permission from the King. This permission allowed him to recruit talented men and boys for the King's College Choir. This was a much-needed privilege. At that time, polyphonic music (music with many different voice parts) was very complex. Skilled choir members were in high demand. For example, the year before Doget's appointment, another important lady, Lady Margaret Beaufort, had taken three singers from King's College for her own choir.

Later Life and Legacy

John Doget wrote his will on March 4, 1501. In his will, he gave all his books on church law and theology to King's College. He passed away the next month. He was buried in Salisbury Cathedral.