John Gostlin facts for kids
John Gostlin (born c. 1566 – died October 21, 1626) was an important English academic and doctor. He became the leader, called the Master, of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge in 1619. He was also a special professor of medicine, known as the Regius Professor of Physic.
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Early Life and Education
John Gostlin was born in Norwich, England, around 1566. His father was Robert Gostlin, who also lived in Norwich. John went to Norwich School for six years to get his early education.
In 1582, when he was about 16, John was accepted as a scholar at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. This is a famous college at the University of Cambridge. He worked hard and earned several degrees:
- He received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1586 or 1587.
- He then earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1590.
- Finally, he became a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1602. He also got an M.D. degree from Oxford University in 1612.
Around 1591 or 1592, John Gostlin was chosen as a "fellow" at Caius College. This meant he was a senior member of the college, often teaching or doing research. He kept this important role for many years.
Becoming a College Leader
Challenges to Leadership
In 1607, the previous Master of Caius College, Thomas Legge, passed away. The fellows of the college wanted John Gostlin to be the new Master. However, there was a disagreement. Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, who was a powerful figure and the head of the university, stepped in. He cancelled the election and chose someone else, William Branthwaite, to be the Master instead.
After this, John Gostlin moved to Exeter, a city in England. He continued his work as a doctor there. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Barnstaple in 1614. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
Finally Master of Caius College
William Branthwaite, the Master chosen by the university head, died in January 1619. This time, the fellows at Caius College quickly met again. They immediately chose John Gostlin to be their Master. Soon after, a letter arrived from the King, suggesting a different person for the job. But the college fellows had already made their choice, and they stuck with John Gostlin. He officially became the Master on February 26, 1619.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1623, John Gostlin was given another very important role. He was appointed the Regius Professor of Physic. This is a special, royal professorship in medicine at Cambridge University. He was recommended for this position by Isaac Barrow, another notable academic.
John Gostlin also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the university twice. The Vice-Chancellor is like the chief executive officer of the university. He was in his second term as Vice-Chancellor when he passed away on October 21, 1626.
John Gostlin was buried in the chapel at Caius College. There is a special monument there to remember him. He didn't publish any books or writings that we know of. However, he was a generous supporter of both Gonville and Caius College and St Catharine's College, Cambridge. He is still specially remembered at Gonville and Caius College for his contributions.
