Richard Taverner facts for kids

Richard Taverner (born 1505 – died July 14, 1575) was an English writer and a key figure in changing religious practices in England.

He is most famous for his translation of the Bible. This version is known as Taverner's Bible. Its full original title was The Most Sacred Bible whiche is the holy scripture, conteyning the old and new testament, translated into English, and newly recognised with great diligence after most faythful exemplars by Rychard Taverner.

Who Was Richard Taverner?

Richard Taverner was born in a place called Brisley, which is about 20 miles northwest of Norwich. When he was young, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a college at the University of Oxford.

Early Life and Studies

During his time at Oxford, Taverner got into trouble. He was caught reading a copy of the New Testament translated by William Tyndale. This book was being shared by a man named Thomas Garret.

In 1528, a powerful leader named Cardinal Wolsey tried to arrest Garret. Garret escaped for a short time with help from his friend Anthony Dalaber. After being brought back to Oxford, Garret, Dalaber, and Taverner, along with others, had to publicly apologize for their actions. These people would later become important in the English Reformation, a big change in England's church.

Taverner continued his education. He studied at Corpus Christi College and Cardinal College at Oxford. He later earned a master's degree from Cambridge University. In 1534, he began studying law at the Inner Temple.

Taverner's Work and the Reformation

Richard Taverner played an active role in the English Reformation. This was a time when England's church broke away from the Pope in Rome.

How Did Taverner Help the Reformation?

Under the guidance of Thomas Cromwell, Taverner started creating works that supported the Reformation. One of his most important contributions was his Bible translation, published in 1539.

He also published a commentary in 1540, which was approved by King Henry VIII. Taverner's Bible was mostly a revised version of an earlier translation called the Matthew Bible.

Taverner was very skilled in Ancient Greek, and his revisions of the New Testament are considered excellent. However, his knowledge of Hebrew was not as strong. In 1539, he also published a book of wise sayings by Desiderius Erasmus, which was reprinted many times.

Challenges and Later Life

In 1540, Thomas Cromwell lost his power and was executed. This put a stop to Taverner's writing and put him in a difficult spot. In 1541, King Henry VIII sent him to the Tower of London. This was due to a misunderstanding with the King.

However, Taverner was soon released. He showed loyalty to the King and regained his favor. In 1544, he took part in a military campaign in France. He also bought land, including a manor in Wood Eaton in Oxfordshire and a house in Norbiton, Surrey.

When Edward VI became King, there were not many preachers. Taverner was allowed to preach, even though he was not a priest. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Liverpool in 1547.

Taverner strongly supported the Reformation, but he did not want to become a martyr (someone who dies for their beliefs). When Queen Mary came to the throne in 1553, she was Catholic. Taverner wrote a welcoming speech for her. He then quietly left public life during her reign.

When Elizabeth I became Queen in 1558, Taverner sent her a congratulatory letter. She offered him a knighthood, but he refused it. He regularly preached at St. Mary's Church, Oxford. He served as a Justice of the Peace for Oxfordshire from 1558 until his death. He was also appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for 1569–70.

Richard Taverner passed away on July 14, 1575. He was buried in the church at Wood Eaton, near Oxford.

Taverner's Family

Richard Taverner had several younger brothers. His eldest younger brother, Roger Taverner (died 1572), was a surveyor and writer.

Richard's second son, Peter, lived in Hexton, Hertfordshire. Peter's son was John Taverner (1584–1638), who became an Anglican clergyman. A great-grandson of Richard Taverner was Anthony Wood, who was a historian and collector of old things.