Richard Napier facts for kids

Richard Napier (born in 1559 – died April 1, 1634) was an important English person who studied the stars (an astrologer) and also worked as a doctor.

Who Was Richard Napier?

Richard Napier was also known as Dr Richard Sandy. He was the brother of Sir Robert Napier, who lived in Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire. Richard Napier learned a lot from another famous astrologer named Simon Forman. When Forman passed away, Richard Napier received his important writings and books. One of these books was a copy of the Picatrix, which is now kept in the British Library.

His Life and Work

In 1589, Richard Napier became the rector (a type of priest) of Great Linford in Buckinghamshire. Even though he was a priest, he also spent a lot of time practicing astrology and medicine. For him, these interests were closely connected to his strong Christian faith.

Richard Napier believed he could talk with angels, especially the archangel Raphael, and sometimes with Michael. Many important people came to him for help, including Emanuel Scrope, who was the first Earl of Sunderland. Other clients included the Earl of Bolingbroke and Lord Wentworth. It is said that these powerful friends helped protect him from legal troubles.

His sister, Mary Napier, married Sir Thomas Myddelton of Chirk Castle. Sir Thomas was the son of Sir Thomas Myddelton, who had been the Lord Mayor of London. Interestingly, the Lord Mayor was also one of Richard Napier's patients.

His Final Years

People said that Richard Napier was so devoted to his prayers that his knees became rough from kneeling so much. He reportedly died while praying on April 1, 1634. He was buried on April 15. After his death, his many important papers were given to Elias Ashmole. These papers are now kept in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. Recently, a team led by Professor Lauren Kassell from the University of Cambridge has made his records available online.