Thomas Fich facts for kids

Thomas Fich (also known as Fych or Fyche) was an important Irish church leader and writer who lived a long time ago. He passed away in 1517.

Who Was Thomas Fich?

Thomas Fich was an ecclesiastic, which means he was a member of the clergy, working for the church. He was also a compiler, meaning he collected and put together written information.

Early Life and Education

Fich went to the University of Oxford to study. After his studies, he became a canon regular. This is a type of priest who follows a specific set of rules, often living in a community.

His Role at Christ Church Cathedral

Later, Thomas Fich was given an important job as the sub-prior of the Holy Trinity convent in Dublin. Today, this place is known as Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

Thomas Fich's Writings

Thomas Fich was known for two main written works that help us understand history.

The Necrology: A Book of Deaths

One of his works was a book called a necrology. This book, written in Latin, was like a list of people who had died at the Holy Trinity convent. It was given names like ‘Mortilogium’ or ‘Obitarium’. It helped keep track of important people connected to the church who had passed away.

When Was the Necrology Printed?

This necrology was later printed in Dublin in 1844. The Irish Archæological Society published it, and a scholar named James H. Todd wrote an introduction for it.

The White Book of Christ Church

Fich also helped create or copy a collection of notes and records. These notes were mostly about church matters. This important collection is known as the ‘White Book of Christ Church, Dublin’. You can still find this book preserved in Christ Church Cathedral today.

Seeing a Page from the White Book

In 1879, a picture of one of the pages from the ‘White Book of Christ Church’ was published. It was included in a book called Facsimiles of National MSS. of Ireland.

Thomas Fich's Legacy

Thomas Fich died in Dublin in 1517. He was buried right there in Christ Church Cathedral, the place he had helped so much during his life. He gave a lot to the cathedral, making him a significant benefactor.

Family Connections

It seems that Thomas Fich might have been related to Geoffrey Fyche. Geoffrey was the Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin from 1529 to 1537. Some believe Thomas might have been Geoffrey's older brother. There is even a special brass plate in St Patrick's Cathedral that shows Geoffrey Fyche and has an inscription about him.