Robert Wakefield facts for kids

Robert Wakefield was an important English scholar and expert in languages who lived in the 1500s. He was known for teaching Hebrew and for his work on different languages. He also played a role in the big changes happening in England during the time of King Henry VIII.

Early Life and Education

Robert Wakefield started his studies at the University of Cambridge. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), around 1513 or 1514. He then continued his education abroad.

In 1519, he received his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from the University of Leuven in Belgium. While living in that region, known as the Low Countries, he taught Hebrew. He taught at a special school called the Collegium Trilingue in Leuven, which focused on three languages.

Teaching and Patronage

A powerful person named John Fisher supported Robert Wakefield. This support helped him become a Fellow at St John's College, Cambridge in 1519. A Fellow is like a senior member or teacher at a college.

Wakefield continued his teaching journey. In 1522, he was at the University of Tübingen in Germany. There, he took over teaching from another famous scholar, Johannes Reuchlin.

Contributions to Language Studies

From 1524, Robert Wakefield taught Hebrew at the University of Cambridge. He earned another degree, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.), the next year.

A royal advisor, Richard Pace, told King Henry VIII about Wakefield's skills. This led to Wakefield being appointed a royal chaplain, meaning he served the king.

First Hebrew and Arabic in Print

In 1524, Wakefield gave an important lecture. He later published it as a book called Oratio de utilitate trium linguarum. This book was printed by Wynkyn de Worde. It was very special because it contained the first examples of Hebrew and Arabic text ever published in England.

From 1530, he taught at the University of Oxford. He was a leading expert in ancient languages during his time.

Role in Royal Affairs

Robert Wakefield became involved in a major event concerning King Henry VIII. The king wanted to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. At first, Wakefield supported Catherine.

However, Richard Pace convinced him to change his mind. In 1528, Wakefield wrote a book that supported King Henry VIII's request to end his marriage. This book showed that he now had Thomas Boleyn as his new supporter.

In 1532, Robert Wakefield became a canon of Christ Church, Oxford. A canon is a member of the clergy who works at a cathedral or church.

Works

• Robert Wakefield: On the Three Languages, 1524 (1989) edited and translated by G. Lloyd Jones from the Oratio de laudibus et utilitate trium linguarum