Robert Wydow facts for kids

Robert Wydow (born around 1446 – died 1505) was an English poet, a musician for the church, and an important religious leader. He lived during a time when England was changing a lot, and he became well-known for his talents.

Early Life and Education

Robert Wydow was born in a town called Thaxted in Essex, England. His first teacher was his stepfather, who was the local schoolmaster. This early start in learning helped him a lot.

When he was about 9 or 10 years old (around 1455 or 1456), Robert went to King's College, Cambridge. There, he studied music and Latin. He was a chorister, which means he sang in the church choir.

Later, from about 1460 to 1464, he studied at Eton College. This was a very famous school. After Eton, he went back to King's College. He finished his studies and graduated in 1467 or 1468.

After college, Robert followed his stepfather's path. He became a schoolmaster in his hometown of Thaxted. He also taught the sons of important families, like nobles.

Career and Achievements

Robert Wydow's talents were noticed by Edward IV, who was the King of England. In 1474, the King made him a chaplain at the Black Prince's Chantry in Canterbury Cathedral. A chaplain is a priest who serves a specific group or institution. Robert worked there for four years.

Around 1478 or 1479, Robert Wydow earned a special degree from Oxford University. It was a Bachelor of Music degree. He is the very first person known to have received this degree! Back then, people got degrees because they were already very good at their jobs, not just from studying at a university.

After his time at Canterbury, Robert was given several important church positions, called benefices. These jobs provided him with an income and a place to live. He served in:

• Monks Eleigh, Suffolk (1479–1481)
• Thaxted (1481–1489)
• St Benet Paul's Wharf, London (1489–1493)
• Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire (1493–1498)

In 1497, Robert Wydow became a canon at Wells Cathedral. A canon is a type of priest who is part of a cathedral's governing body. He stayed at Wells Cathedral for the rest of his life. On May 25, 1500, he was promoted to a higher role, becoming the subdean. He passed away in 1505 and was buried in the south aisle of Wells Cathedral on October 4.

Legacy as a Poet and Musician

People who lived at the same time as Robert Wydow thought he was an amazing poet and musician. Raphael Holinshed, a famous writer, called him "an excellent poet." Another important historian, John Leland, said Robert was "easily the finest" of the Latin writers of his time.

Even though he was highly praised, only a few lines of Robert Wydow's poetry have survived to this day. This makes his work very rare and special.