Thomas Ashton (schoolmaster) facts for kids
Thomas Ashton (died 29 August 1578, Cambridge) was an important English clergyman and schoolmaster. He is best known as the first headmaster of Shrewsbury School.
Life Story
Early Life and Education
Thomas Ashton studied at Cambridge University. He earned his first degree in 1520 and a master's degree in 1521. He also became a Bachelor of Theology in 1531. He was a fellow at St John's College, Cambridge for many years. Later, he became a clergyman in the Diocese of Lincoln.
For a long time, people were unsure which Thomas Ashton was the headmaster. But now it is clear that he was the one who studied at St John's College. This made more sense because of his age and letters from the school.
Leading Shrewsbury School
In 1562, Thomas Ashton became the very first headmaster of Shrewsbury School. He was so important to the school's start that a bishop even asked for special permission for him. This allowed Ashton to focus on the school, as he was also the only licensed preacher in the town.
Under Ashton's leadership, Shrewsbury School became very famous. It had many students, sometimes as many as 290 at once! Famous people like Philip Sidney and Fulke Greville were among his pupils.
A writer named William Camden said that Shrewsbury School was "the best filled in all England." He gave credit to Thomas Ashton for its success. The school attracted students from noble families across England. Many of these boys lived with families in the town.
In 1568, the school put on a big play during the holidays. Thomas Ashton was the main actor. Many people, including important noblemen, came to watch. Soon after this, Ashton left his job as headmaster.
After the School
From 1571, Ashton worked for Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex. He helped manage Essex's affairs when the Earl was away. He also taught Essex's son, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. In 1573, Ashton became a clergyman in Haversham, Buckinghamshire.
In 1574, he went to Ireland to help Earl of Essex. He helped with important talks and messages for Queen Elizabeth I. Ashton returned to England in 1575. When Earl of Essex died, he left Ashton money for life.
In his last year, Thomas Ashton returned to Shrewsbury. He helped create the rules for Shrewsbury School. These rules were used until 1798. They gave the town leaders the power to choose the school's teachers. Ashton gave a farewell sermon to the people of Shrewsbury. He then went back to Cambridge, where he died in 1578.
