John Twyne facts for kids

John Twyne (born around 1505, died 1581) was an important English schoolmaster, scholar, and writer. He also served as a Member of Parliament for the city of Canterbury in England.

John Twyne's Early Life and Education

John Twyne was born around 1501 in Bullington, Hampshire. His father was William Twyne. He studied at Oxford University, possibly at New Inn, Oxford or Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He mentioned seeing famous scholars there, like Richard Foxe and Juan Luis Vives. He earned a law degree on January 31, 1525. After finishing his studies, he got married and became the headmaster of the free grammar school in Canterbury.

Twyne's Career in Canterbury

Twyne's school was very successful. He became quite wealthy and bought land. He was also very involved in the local government of Canterbury. From 1539 to 1547, and again from 1548 to 1550, he was a common councilman. He served as the Sheriff of Canterbury from 1544 to 1545. Later, he became an alderman from 1550 to 1562. He even served as the Mayor of Canterbury from 1553 to 1554. In 1553, he was chosen to represent Canterbury in the English Parliament.

Challenges and Later Years

In 1554, while he was mayor, Twyne actively worked against a rebellion led by Thomas Wyatt. This showed his loyalty to the crown. However, in 1560, he faced some difficulties. During a review of the church in Canterbury, he was criticized. That same year, he lost his job as headmaster of The King's School, Canterbury. Anthony Rush took over his position. In 1562, he had more problems with the government. He was suspected of secretly supporting the Catholic faith, which was not allowed at the time. This affected his wealth and his public roles.

John Twyne passed away in Canterbury on November 24, 1581. He was buried on November 30 in St Paul's Church, Canterbury. A special brass plate was placed there to remember him. He was married to Alice (1507–1567), and they had three sons: John, Lawrence, and Thomas.

John Twyne's Writings and Scholarship

John Twyne was known as a respected expert in old things and a scholar of classical languages. He was also a great teacher. His first known writing was an introduction to a book called History of Kyng Boccus and Sydracke. He helped edit this work, which was translated from an old French version.

De Rebus Albionicis

In 1590, after John Twyne had passed away, his son Thomas Twyne published his father's most famous work. It was titled De Rebus Albionicis, Britannicis, atque Anglis Commentariorum libri duo. This book was about the early history of Britain. In it, Twyne looked at some traditional stories about British history with a questioning eye. He especially doubted the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth, a well-known historian from earlier times. The book also included Twyne's memories of other scholars he knew, like Nicholas Wotton and Juan Luis Vives.

Other Collections

Twyne also collected notes and thoughts in books he called "Communia Loca." These were later given to Corpus Christi College, Oxford by his grandson, Brian Twyne. In these notes, Twyne mentioned that he had written biographies of people like Thomas Lupset and William Paget. These biographies are now lost. Another work, "Vitæ, Mores, Studia, et Fortunæ Regum Angliæ", which was about the lives of English kings, is also lost today.