Thomas Bungay facts for kids
Thomas Bungay (born around 1214, died around 1294) was an English Franciscan friar, a smart scholar, and someone interested in alchemy. He was also known as Thomas of Bungay or Friar Bongay.
About Thomas Bungay's Life
Thomas was born in a market town called Bungay in Suffolk, England. He went to Oxford and Paris in the mid-1200s. Later, he joined the Order of the Friars Minor (Franciscans) in Norwich.
He taught at Oxford as the 10th Franciscan "Reader in Divinity" from 1270 to 1272. After that, he became the 8th leader of the Franciscans in England, called the "Minister Provincial," from 1272 to 1275.
From about 1275 to at least 1283, he was the 15th Franciscan master at Cambridge. Thomas wrote a book called Quaestio in Aristotelis de Caelo et Mundo. This book was his thoughts on Aristotle's work On the Heavens. He passed away in Northampton, England.
Even though some stories link him to Roger Bacon, there is no real proof they knew each other.
Thomas Bungay in Legends
Thomas Bungay is mostly famous from old English legends. These stories made him the helper of Roger Bacon. Bacon was a scholar known for his knowledge of alchemy and supposed magic.
In some tales, a German mage named Vandermast kills Bungay. The most well-known story about him is in the play Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay. This play was written by Robert Greene a long time ago.
Bungay might have gotten his magical fame from another Friar Bungay. This other friar seemed to be a magician in the 1400s.
His Legacy
Thomas Bungay also appears as a helper in the book Doctor Mirabilis. This book by James Blish tells a fictional story about Roger Bacon's life.
