Thomas Newton (poet) facts for kids

Thomas Newton (born around 1542, died 1607) was an English clergyman, a person who works for the church. He was also a talented poet, author, and translator. He lived during a time when England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I.

A Young Scholar's Path

Thomas Newton was the oldest son of Edward Newton, who lived in a place called Park House in Butley, Cheshire. He first went to Macclesfield grammar school. His teacher there was John Brownsword, who was very well-regarded.

After school, Thomas Newton went to Trinity College, Oxford, a famous university. He left in 1562 to study at Queens' College, Cambridge, another well-known university. However, he later returned to Trinity College, Oxford, to continue his studies.

Writing and Early Works

Around 1569 or 1570, Thomas Newton published a book called The Worthye Booke of Old Age. He wrote the introduction to this book from Butley, his home. Many of his other books before 1583 were also dated from Butley.

Newton wrote books about history, medicine, and religious topics. He also wrote many short poems called commendatory verses. These poems were often added to the beginning of other people's books to praise them. He wrote these verses in both English and Latin. In many of his writings, he called himself "Thomas Newtonus Cestreshyrius," which showed how much he loved his home county of Cheshire.

Later Life and Important Translations

Thomas Newton might have worked as a doctor in Butley. He may have also taught at Macclesfield school, where he had been a student. In 1583, he became the rector of Little Ilford, a church position in Essex. Most of his later writings were dated from this new home.

His most important works were his translations. He translated many writings by famous Roman authors like Cicero and Seneca. Seneca's works included tragedies, which are serious plays. Thomas Newton may also have written a poem called Atropoion Delion; or, The Death of Delia. This poem was a sad tribute written when Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603.

A Talented Writer

According to a book called The Dictionary of National Biography, Thomas Newton was a very skilled writer of Latin poems. People at the time admired his work. He was known for writing Latin poems that were clear and to the point, like classical Roman writers. He also wrote English poems easily and smoothly.

Newton translated many books from Latin into English. His books are now very rare and hard to find. Many of them had very long titles, which was common for books in those days.

Family and Passing

Thomas Newton was married and had two sons, Emanuel and Abel. It seems Emanuel died before his father. Thomas Newton passed away in 1607. His will, which is a legal document about his belongings, was dated April 27, 1607. It was officially approved on June 13, 1607. He was likely buried at Little Ilford, where he had been the rector.