John Frampton facts for kids

John Frampton was an English merchant who lived in the 1500s. He came from the West Country in England and later moved to Spain. While in Spain, he was held captive by a powerful religious court called the Inquisition. He managed to escape from the city of Cádiz in 1567.

After his escape, John Frampton became a translator. He translated many books from Spanish into English. His difficult experiences in Spain likely influenced his work, making him want to share information about Spain with English readers.

John Frampton's Life as a Merchant

John Frampton started his career as a merchant. This meant he bought and sold goods, often traveling to different countries for trade. In the 1500s, being a merchant was a way to explore the world and make a living. His decision to settle in Spain shows he was involved in international trade.

Imprisonment and Escape

While in Spain, John Frampton faced a very tough time. He was imprisoned by the Inquisition, which was a powerful religious court. People held by the Inquisition were often treated very harshly. Frampton's experience was so difficult that it deeply affected him.

Despite the challenges, John Frampton was determined to be free. In 1567, he successfully escaped from Cádiz, a major port city in Spain. This escape was a brave act that allowed him to return to England.

Frampton's Work as a Translator

After returning to England, John Frampton used his knowledge of Spanish to become a translator. He focused on translating Spanish books into English. His translations often had a tone that was critical of Spain, likely because of his own experiences there.

Important Translations

John Frampton translated several important books. These translations helped English readers learn about new discoveries, geography, and other cultures. Here are some of his notable works:

• 1577: He translated Ioyfull newes out of the newe founde worlde by Nicolás Monardes. This book was about plants, oils, and stones from the Americas and their uses in medicine.
• 1578: He translated a book on Geography by Fernández de Enciso. This work helped people understand the world's maps and regions better.
• 1579: He translated The most noble and famous travels of Marco Polo. This book shared the incredible adventures of Marco Polo in Asia with English readers.
• 1579: He translated A discourse of the Navigation which the Portugales doe Make to the Realmes and Provinces of the East Partes of the Worlde... by Bernardino de Escalante. This was one of the first European books mainly about China to be available in English.
• 1580: He released a new, bigger edition of Ioyfull newes out of the newe founde worlde by Nicolás Monardes.
• 1581: He translated Art of Navigation by Pedro de Medina. This book was important for sailors and helped them understand how to navigate ships.

John Frampton's translations were important because they brought new knowledge and perspectives to England during a time of great exploration and discovery.