Nicholas Metcalfe facts for kids

Nicholas Metcalfe (died 1539) was an important English church leader and head of a famous college. He lived during a time of big changes in England, especially for the church.

Nicholas Metcalfe's Early Life and Studies

Nicholas Metcalfe studied at Cambridge University. He earned several degrees there. He became a Bachelor of Arts around 1495. Later, he earned his Master of Arts degree in 1498. He continued his studies, becoming a Bachelor of Divinity in 1504 and a Doctor of Divinity in 1507. These degrees showed he was a very learned person.

Important Roles in the Church

Metcalfe held several important jobs in the church. From 1512, he was the Archdeacon of Rochester. An Archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage a large area. He also served as a prebendary in Lincoln. This meant he received income from a cathedral. Additionally, he was the rector of Woodham Ferrers, which meant he was the main priest of that parish.

Leading St. John's College

In 1518, Nicholas Metcalfe became the Master of St. John's College, Cambridge. Being the Master meant he was the head of the college. He worked hard to make the college stronger and richer. He was very close with John Fisher, who was his bishop in the Diocese of Rochester. John Fisher was also very important in starting St. John's College.

Through John Fisher, St. John's College gained more property in 1524. They took over lands from some old nunneries. These included properties at Bromhall in Berkshire and Lillechurch (Higham) in Kent. Another property in Kent that Fisher helped the college get was from a hospital in Ospringe. These new lands and buildings helped the college grow and support more students.

Challenges and Changes in England

Nicholas Metcalfe was a strong Catholic. He believed in the traditional ways of the church. He was even praised by Roger Ascham for how much he cared about learning.

Metcalfe disagreed with King Henry VIII's decision to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This was a very big issue in England at the time. Even though he disagreed, he eventually accepted the new rules for the church by 1536. However, he was still asked to step down as Master of St. John's College in 1537. He passed away in 1539.