Robert Beaumont (Master of Trinity College) facts for kids
Robert Beaumont (who passed away in 1567) was an important leader at Trinity College, Cambridge. He served as the Master of the college from 1561 to 1567. He was also chosen twice to be the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (in 1564 and 1566). During his time, he asked artist Hans Eworth to make a copy of a famous painting of King Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger. This copy was later given to Trinity College, where you can still see it today.
Beaumont was known for wanting to make changes, especially in the church. In 1565, he wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury to complain about "profane comedies or tragedies" (plays he thought were inappropriate). He also left nine books by a religious leader named John Calvin to the college. However, these books were either not accepted by the next leader or were lost before the year 1600.
Early Life and Education
Robert Beaumont started his education at Westminster School. Later, he went to Peterhouse, Cambridge for university. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1544. After that, he became a Fellow at his college, which meant he was a senior member of the university. In 1550, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.
Life as a Religious Leader
During a difficult time for Protestants in England, Beaumont had to leave the country. He became a Marian exile, living in a city called Zurich. In 1556, he joined a group of English people who were living in Geneva.
After Queen Mary died and it was safe to return, Beaumont came back to England. In 1559, he became the Margaret professor of divinity, a special teaching role at Cambridge. He earned another degree, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.), in 1560. That same year, he was given an important church position as the archdeaconry of Huntingdon.
In 1561, Beaumont became the Master of Trinity College. This meant he had to leave his teaching job as professor. He earned his highest degree, a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), in 1564. That year, he even took part in a debate about religious ideas in front of Queen Elizabeth I when she visited Cambridge.
Beaumont served as the Vice-Chancellor of the university twice. He was first Vice-Chancellor in 1564-1565. He also became a canon (a type of priest) at Ely Cathedral in 1564. He was chosen as Vice-Chancellor again in 1566. He passed away in 1567 while still holding that important position.
Robert Beaumont's Beliefs and Actions
Robert Beaumont was a key figure among the Calvinists at Cambridge. This group had strong religious beliefs and often disagreed with some of the rules set by Queen Elizabeth I and Archbishop Matthew Parker.
Beaumont agreed with the articles (rules) decided at a big church meeting in 1563. He also signed a request about church ceremonies and voted for changes in church discipline. This showed he supported the idea of simpler church practices, without too many rituals.
In a letter to Archbishop Parker in 1564, Beaumont shared his dislike for plays performed by students. He believed these "dramatic representations" were not good for the students. He also removed a priest named John Sanderson from Trinity College because of his beliefs and for being disobedient. Beaumont also tried to stop Walter Travers from getting a fellowship (a special position) at the college due to his attitude.
In 1565, Beaumont and other college leaders wrote to William Cecil, who was the university's chancellor. They asked for changes to new rules from the queen that required students to wear a surplice (a white robe) at Cambridge. This letter made Cecil angry, and Archbishop Parker was not impressed. Beaumont then wrote a respectful letter to Cecil on his own, trying to smooth things over.
