John Spelman (historian) facts for kids

Sir John Spelman (born 1594 – died 1643) was an English historian and a politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1626. He is best known for writing a book about Alfred the Great, a famous English king.

Sir John Spelman's Life

Early Life and Education

John Spelman was the son of Henry Spelman, who was an antiquary. An antiquary is someone who studies old things and history. John went to Cambridge University and Brasenose College, Oxford to study. He also traveled around Europe.

Political Career and Royal Service

In 1626, John Spelman became a Member of Parliament for Worcester. This meant he helped make laws for England. He also worked with old writings from his father's collection.

Spelman wrote a book called Life of Alfred the Great. This book was later translated into Latin and published in 1678. While his father was known for ideas about an "ancient constitution", John Spelman supported the King's side during a difficult time in England. He was a strong supporter of King Charles I of England.

In 1641, King Charles I made him a knight, so he became Sir John Spelman. He actively helped the King in Oxford when the First English Civil War began. Sadly, Sir John Spelman died in Brasenose College around July 24, 1643, from a sickness common in military camps.

Sir John Spelman's Family

Sir John Spelman married Anne Townshend. She was the daughter of Sir John Townshend from Raynham, in Norfolk. John and Anne had a son named Roger Spelman. John's brother, Clement Spelman, also held an important legal job later on.

Sir John Spelman's Writings

Sir John Spelman wrote several important works during his lifetime. His most famous work was the Life of Alfred the Great, which was published after his death. He also wrote about important topics like the duties of leaders and people, and religious beliefs.

• 1642: Certain considerations upon the duties both of prince and people written by a gentleman of quality, a well-wisher both to the King and Parliament. Oxford: Printed by Leonard Lichfield, 1642 (Anonymous; attributed to Spelman) Excerpt
• 1642: A Protestants account of his orthodox holding in matters of religion, at the present indifference in the Church. Printed by Roger Daniel, printer to the Universitie of Cambridge. 1642. And are to be sold by John Milleson (This has been attributed both to John and Henry Spelman the elder; the latter's authorship is now thought more likely. Wing (ed 2) S4939; Ann Arbor, Mich.: UMI, 1999- (Early English books online))
• 1644: Case of our affaires in law, religion, and other circumstances examined and presented to the conscience. [Oxford]: Printed [by Henry Hall?], in the yeare, 1643 [i.e. 1644]
• 1678: Aelfredi Magni, Anglorum regis invictissimi vita tribus libris comprehensa. Oxonii: E Theatro Sheldoniano, Anno Dom. MDC.LXXVIII. Thomas Hearne, responsible for the first edition in the original English, in 1709, identified the translator as Christopher Wase (cf. Madan).