Thomas Caius facts for kids

Thomas Caius, also known as Thomas Key, was an important person at Oxford University a long time ago. He worked there as a teacher and also helped run the university. He was a "Fellow" and later the "Master" of University College, Oxford, which is a part of Oxford University. He passed away in Oxford in May 1572.

Who Was Thomas Caius?

Thomas Caius was a smart and busy person who lived in England a long time ago. He was known for his work at Oxford University. He was both a teacher and someone who helped manage the university's daily activities.

His Time at Oxford University

Thomas Caius spent many years working at Oxford University.

Becoming a Leader

• From 1535 to 1552, Thomas Caius was the Registrar of the University of Oxford. This means he was like the main secretary, keeping all the important records for the university.
• In 1552, he tried to become the Master of University College, but he wasn't chosen that time.
• However, in 1561, he was elected and became the Master of University College, Oxford. This was a very important job, like being the head of one of the university's main parts.
• He also held important church positions. In 1560, he became a "prebendary" at Salisbury Cathedral, which is a special role in a church.
• Later, in 1563, he became the "Rector" of a church in Tredington, in Worcestershire. This meant he was the main priest there.

Thomas Caius and History

Thomas Caius was very interested in the long history of Oxford University. He wanted to prove how old and important it was.

Debating Oxford's Age

• Thomas Caius wrote a book called An Assertion of the Antiquity of Oxford University. In this book, he argued that King Alfred had founded University College and Oxford University a very long time ago.
• He wrote this book after Queen Elizabeth I visited Cambridge University in 1564. During her visit, she heard speeches about how old Cambridge University was. Thomas Caius wanted to show that Oxford was even older!
• In 1568, another person named John Caius (who was not related to Thomas) wrote his own book. John Caius was the Master of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge at Cambridge University. His book, called On the Antiquity of the University of Cambridge, argued that Cambridge was older.
• So, Thomas Caius and John Caius had a friendly debate through their books about which university was older!