John Edwards (academic) facts for kids
John Edwards (who was also known as Edwardes) was a doctor and a smart person who taught at a university. He was active around the year 1638. He was known for supporting the King during the First English Civil War when he was at the University of Oxford. People who supported the King were called Royalists.
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Who Was John Edwards?
John Edwards was born on February 27, 1600. He went to a school called Merchant Taylors' School. In 1617, he earned a special position at St John's College, Oxford. This was like a junior teacher or researcher role.
Early Life and Education
In 1632, William Laud, who used to be the head of St John's College, suggested that Edwards become the head teacher at Merchant Taylors' School. Edwards took this job. However, he left the school at the end of 1634. He then went back to Oxford University.
Life at Oxford University
The next year, Edwards became a proctor at the university. A proctor was a university official who helped keep order and make sure rules were followed. In 1638, he got a special job as the Sedleian reader of natural philosophy. This meant he was a professor who taught science and how the world works. He also earned his medical degrees (M.B. and M.D.) around this time.
During the English Civil War
Edwards seemed to stay at the college during the difficult times of the First English Civil War. This war started in 1642. The university leaders asked him and others to help. They needed to find places for soldiers to stay in Oxford. They also needed to get weapons to protect the university.
Later Life and Challenges
In 1647, Edwards was called to appear before a special committee. This group was trying to change things at the university. They thought Edwards was disloyal because he supported the King. His answers were not good enough for them. In 1648, the new leaders of the university put him in a type of custody for a short time. This was because they believed he had done many things they didn't like.
Edwards lost his special position at the college. His teaching job as the Sedleian reader was also given to someone else. However, he still received pay for that job until late 1649. It is thought that he then worked as a doctor in Oxford. He likely passed away in the late 1650s.
