Thomas Fowle facts for kids

Thomas Fowle (born around 1530 – died after 1597) was an important person in the Church of England. He was a church leader, a Fellow (a senior member) at St John's College, Cambridge, and a rector (a priest in charge of a parish) in Redgrave and Hinderclay, both in Suffolk. He was also a prebendary (a type of church official) at Norwich Cathedral.

For a short time, he was a tutor (teacher) to Edward de Vere, who later became the Earl of Oxford. Thomas Fowle also worked as a chaplain (a private priest) for Sir Nicholas Bacon.

The Life of Thomas Fowle

Early Life and Education

Thomas Fowle went to the University of Cambridge. He started at St John's in 1547. He earned his first degree, a BA, in 1549 or 1550. Later, in 1553, he completed his MA degree.

He was chosen to be a Fellow at St John's College. However, during the time of Queen Mary I, he was removed from his position. He then worked as a minister for a secret group of Protestants in or near London.

Tutor and Chaplain Roles

On May 4, 1558, Thomas Fowle started getting paid ten pounds a year. This was for being the tutor to young Edward de Vere, who was eight years old at the time. In November of that same year, Edward de Vere began his studies at Queens' College, Cambridge.

Soon after Queen Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, Fowle got his fellowship back at St John's College. On November 4, 1562, he became the Rector of Aldham, Essex. But he left this job before November 19, 1563.

On July 22, 1563, he became the second prebendary of Norwich Cathedral. It was noted then that he lived in Redgrave, Suffolk. There, he was both the rector of the local church and the chaplain to Lord Keeper Sir Nicholas Bacon.

From 1561 to 1566, he also served as the Rector of Hinderclay in Suffolk.

Church Roles and Challenges

On January 4, 1570, Thomas Fowle became a senior fellow at St John's College. In 1570, he was part of a group of church officials in Norwich. They were unhappy with the way the church was run. They went into the cathedral choir and broke the organs. They also caused other problems. People said he only went to Norwich to collect his stipend (payment).

In 1572, he was on a special group that worked against Roman Catholic recusants (people who refused to attend Church of England services) in Norfolk. In 1573, he and two others were asked by the Bishop of Norwich, John Parkhurst, to lead "religious exercises" in Bury St Edmunds. These exercises were soon stopped by Queen Elizabeth's orders.

He kept his position at Norwich Cathedral until 1581, when he left. He continued as the rector of Redgrave until 1597.

Later Years

Thomas Fowle's will (a legal document about his wishes after death) mentions his sons, Nicholas and Thomas. In 1586, a person named Thomas Fowle was the headmaster of the school at Botesdale in Suffolk.