Thomas Charnock facts for kids
Thomas Charnock (born around 1524, died 1581) was an English alchemist. He spent his whole life trying to find the Philosopher's Stone. This was a legendary substance. People believed it could turn ordinary metals into gold. They also thought it could make people live forever. Charnock's old notebooks help us understand his life. They also show what people thought about alchemy in the Elizabethan era (when Queen Elizabeth I ruled).
A Young Alchemist's Start
Thomas Charnock was born in Faversham, Kent. This was around the year 1524. He grew up on the Isle of Thanet. Most of his life was spent in Combwich. This is a small village in the west of England.
Charnock's uncle was also named Thomas Charnock. He was an alchemist too. He was also a confessor to King Henry VII. Young Thomas became interested in alchemy. This happened when he inherited his uncle's library. It was full of books about alchemy.
Charnock's Alchemist Journey
Charnock started looking for alchemy secrets. He traveled all over England in his early twenties. He found two teachers who helped him. One was a priest from Salisbury. The other was a former abbot from Bath.
His work was very hard and tiring. He had to keep a fire burning. It needed to stay at a perfect temperature. He also had a lot of bad luck. On New Year's Day in 1555, his workshop caught fire. All his hard work was destroyed. His helpers often made mistakes. They would mess up the fire for his experiments.
Two years later, in 1557, England went to war. It was the war with France. A local judge made sure Thomas had to join the army. This judge seemed to dislike Charnock. Thomas was so frustrated. He smashed all his alchemy equipment.
Charnock was troubled by his bad luck. His neighbors were also scared of his experiments. They avoided him. He asked Elizabeth I if he could work in the Tower of London. He wanted a quiet place to do his experiments. He promised to give Queen Elizabeth great wealth. He also promised her good health. He said he would do this within 14 years. He would use the Philosopher's Stone. He even said he would lose his head if he failed.
Family Life
Charnock married Agnes Norden in 1562. They got married in Stockland-Bristol. This was near Bridgewater, Somersetshire. They had at least two children. One was named Absolon. He was buried in Stockland in 1563. Their daughter Bridget got married in Stockland in 1587.
Thomas Charnock died in April 1581. He passed away in Combwich. He was buried in Otterhampton Church. This church is near Bridgwater. After he died, people said no one would live in his old house. They believed it was "troublesome and haunted by spirits." People also thought he was a difficult person. They even called him a "conjurer."
His Writings
Thomas Charnock wrote several works. These were printed by Elias Ashmole. They appeared in his book called Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum.
- Breviary of Philosophy. 1557. This book tells about Charnock's own experiences with alchemy.
- Aenigma ad Alchimiam. 1572.
- Aenigma de Alchimiae. 1572.
- Fragments coppied From Thomas Charnock's owne hand writing. 1574. These were notes copied from Charnock's own writings.
