Richard Master facts for kids

Richard Masters was an important English doctor in the 1500s. He was also the personal physician, or doctor, to Queen Elizabeth.

Richard Masters' Early Life

Richard Masters was born in Kent, England. His father was Robert Masters.

Richard went to All Souls' College at the University of Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1533. He then got his master's degree in 1537.

Becoming a Doctor

Masters decided to study medicine at the University of Oxford. By 1545, he was allowed to practice medicine.

In 1553, he joined the Royal College of Physicians. This was a group for doctors. He held several important roles there. He was a "censor" from 1556 to 1558, and again in 1560. He even became the President of the college in 1561.

Doctor to Queen Elizabeth

In 1559, Queen Elizabeth I chose Richard Masters as her personal doctor. She paid him £100 each year for his service.

The Queen also honored him in 1568. She gave him a special coat of arms. This was a symbol of his family's status. She also gave him some properties. These lands used to belong to an old abbey.

The Boleyn Cup

Queen Elizabeth gave Dr. Masters a special gift. It was a silver cup. The top of the cup had a falcon badge. This falcon was a symbol of her mother, Anne Boleyn.

This cup is now known as the "Boleyn cup." It was given to the church in Cirencester. The cup was made in London in 1535.

Family Life

Richard Masters married a woman named Elizabeth. She was the daughter of John Fulnetby.

They had seven sons together. Some of their sons became important people too:

• George became a Member of Parliament for Cirencester.
• Thomas became an Archdeacon.
• Robert Master was also a Member of Parliament.
• Henry became a Principal at Alban Hall.

Richard Masters passed away in 1588.