Thomas Gale facts for kids
Thomas Gale (born around 1635 or 1636, died April 7 or 8, 1702) was an important English scholar and church leader. He was known for studying ancient Greek and Roman writings, collecting old historical items, and serving as a clergyman.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Gale was born in a place called Scruton, located in Yorkshire, England. He went to school at Westminster School in London. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, which is a famous university. He later became a "fellow" there, which means he was a senior member of the college.
Important Roles and Achievements
Thomas Gale held many important positions throughout his life:
- In 1666, he became the Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge University. This was a special teaching role focused on the Greek language.
- In 1672, he became the headmaster of St Paul's School, a well-known school in London.
- In 1676, he became a "prebendary" at St Paul's, which is a type of church official.
- In 1677, he was made a fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists and scholars.
- In 1697, he became the Dean of York, a senior leader in the church in York.
He passed away in York in 1702.
His Family Life
Thomas Gale married Barbara Pepys. She was the daughter of Roger Pepys, who was a Member of Parliament. Barbara was also a cousin of the famous diarist Samuel Pepys. Samuel Pepys often mentioned her in his well-known diary, calling her "Bab." Barbara died in 1689. Thomas Gale had two sons, Roger Gale and Samuel Gale, who also became known for studying old things. His daughter married a Reverend Dr. William Stukeley, who was also a famous antiquarian. Thomas Gale also owned a collection of old handwritten books, including one called Minuscule 66.
His Scholarly Work
Thomas Gale was famous for his writings and for collecting old books.
- He published a collection of stories about myths, ethics (right and wrong), and nature called Opuscula mythologica, ethica, et physica.
- He also edited and published works by several ancient Greek and Latin writers.
- However, he is most remembered for gathering old books and writings about early English history. These collections were titled Historiae Anglicanae scriptores and Historiae Britannicae, Saxonicae, Anglo-Danicae scriptores XV. These books are very important for understanding the past.
- He also wrote the words for the inscription on the London Monument, which remembers the Great Fire of London. This inscription, which blamed Roman Catholics for the fire, was later removed.
Some of His Published Books
Here are some of the important books Thomas Gale edited or published:
- Opuscula mythologica physica et ethica (1671, also 1688)
- Historiae poeticae Scriptores antiqui (1675)
- Iamblichi Liber de mysteriis Aegyptiorum (1678)
- Ψαλτηριον. Psalterium. Juxta exemplar Alexandrinum editio nova, Græce & Latine (1678)
- Rerum Anglicarum Scriptorum Veterum Tom. ... (1684)
- Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Quinque (1687)
- Historiae Britannicae, Saxonicae, Anglo-Danicae Scriptores XV (1691)
- Antonini Iter Britanniarum
