John Somerset facts for kids

John Somerset (who was also known as Somerseth) was an important English doctor and government official. He lived a long time ago, in the 1400s, and passed away in 1454.

Somerset was born in London. He first went to Oxford University. But because of a serious illness called the plague, he moved to Cambridge University. He finished his studies there in 1418.

Who Was John Somerset?

John Somerset was a very smart and busy person. He started his career as a teacher. Later, he became a doctor and even worked for the King of England! He also took on big jobs in the government.

Early Life and Education

After finishing university, John Somerset got his first important job. He was made the head teacher of a grammar school in a town called Bury St Edmunds. This shows he was good at teaching and organizing things.

Just five years later, he helped plan a new college in London. This college was going to teach both medicine and surgery. He worked with other famous people like Thomas Morstede and Gilbert Kymer on this project. However, the plans for the college did not work out in the end.

A Doctor for the King

In 1427, John Somerset got a very special job. He became the personal doctor and teacher to the young King Henry VI. This was a big honor, showing that people trusted his skills and knowledge. Working for the king meant he was close to the most powerful person in the country.

A Role in Government

John Somerset was not just a doctor; he also became a key figure in the English government. He was one of the first medical professionals to hold such high political positions.

Serving in Parliament

In 1442, John Somerset made history. He was the first doctor ever to become a member of Parliament. He represented the area of Middlesex as a knight of the shire. A knight of the shire was a representative chosen by the people of a county to speak for them in Parliament. This was a very important role, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.

What is a Chancellor of the Exchequer?

In 1439, John Somerset was given two very important jobs. He became the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Warden of the Royal Mint.

• The Chancellor of the Exchequer is like the main money manager for the government. They look after the country's finances and make sure there's enough money for everything.
• The Warden of the Royal Mint was in charge of making coins for the country. This was a crucial job to ensure the money supply was stable.

Somerset held these jobs during a difficult time for England. There was a period called the "Great Bullion Famine" (meaning there wasn't enough metal to make coins) and a "Great Slump" (a time when the economy was not doing well).

Later Years and Legacy

After 1450, things changed for John Somerset. Some members of Parliament were not happy with him. They asked the king to remove him from his court, saying he was a bad influence.

John Somerset died on June 4, 1454. He did not leave a will, and he did not have any children. Even so, he is remembered as a significant person who moved between the worlds of medicine, education, and government in medieval England.