John Mason (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Mason
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Painting of Sir John Mason attributed to Sampson Strong, 1607. From the collection of Christ's Hospital, Abingdon
|
|
| Born | c. 1503 |
| Died | 20 April 1566 London, England
|
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Sir John Mason |
| Occupation | Diplomat, spy, MP |
| Known for | Chancellor of the University of Oxford |
| Children | Mary Cheke (stepchild) |
Sir John Mason (born around 1503, died April 20, 1566) was an important English diplomat and spy. He worked for several English kings and queens during the Tudor period. He helped them by collecting information and representing England in other countries.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mason was born in 1503 in Abingdon-on-Thames, a town in England. His parents were not wealthy. His father was said to be a cowherd. His mother was the sister of a monk at Abingdon Abbey.
This monk, Thomas Rowland, helped Mason get a good education. Mason first went to the school at Abingdon Abbey. After that, he studied at All Souls College, Oxford, a famous university.
At Oxford, he became a Fellow in 1521. This meant he was a senior member of the college. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1521. He then got his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1525.
While at Oxford, a famous person named Sir Thomas More noticed Mason. More asked King Henry VIII to make Mason a King's scholar in Paris. This gave Mason money to study in France. He also received money from church jobs, which helped him financially.
A Career in Service
John Mason had a long and important career working for the English government. He served several rulers from the Tudor dynasty. These included King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.
Working in Parliament
In 1550, Mason became the Clerk of the Parliaments. This was an important role in the English Parliament. He helped manage the official records and business of Parliament.
He also served as a Member of parliament (MP). He represented the town of Reading (UK Parliament constituency) in 1547. Later, he represented Hampshire (UK Parliament constituency) four times between 1554 and 1563. As an MP, he helped make laws for the country.
Leading Oxford University
Mason was chosen to be the Chancellor of the University of Oxford. This is a very high position at the university. He held this role twice: from 1552 to 1556, and again from 1559 to 1564.
Diplomat and Spy
Sir John Mason was known for his work as a diplomat and a spy. As a diplomat, he represented England in other countries in Europe. He helped keep good relationships and negotiate agreements. As a spy, he gathered important information for the English Crown. This information was vital for the kings and queens he served.
King Edward VI knighted him, giving him the title "Sir." Mason also became the Dean of Winchester, a high position in the church.
Today, a secondary school in Abingdon, called John Mason School, is named after him.
See also
- List of Old Abingdonians
