Thomas Smith (scholar) facts for kids

Thomas Smith (born June 3, 1638 – died May 11, 1710) was an English scholar who studied many subjects. He was a Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford, a famous university, but later lost his job there. He was also a "non-juror," meaning he refused to swear loyalty to the new King and Queen after a big change in government.

Early Life and Studies

Thomas Smith was born in London on June 3, 1638. His father, John Smith, was a merchant.

He began his studies at The Queen's College, Oxford in 1657. He started as a "batler," which meant he was a student who paid less for his education, often by doing chores. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1651 and his master's degree (M.A.) in 1653.

In 1653, he became the headmaster of Magdalen school. Later, in 1666, he became a "probationer-fellow" at Magdalen College, which is like a trainee teacher or researcher. He became a full "fellow" in 1667 and a "dean" (a college official) in 1674. He earned his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree in 1683. He was also chosen to be a fellow of the Royal Society in 1677, which is a group for important scientists and scholars.

Travels to the East

In 1668, Thomas Smith traveled to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). He went as a chaplain, which is like a religious advisor, to Sir Daniel Harvey, who was an ambassador there.

After three years, Smith returned to Oxford. He brought back many old Greek manuscripts, which are handwritten books. He then spent several years writing about his experiences and thoughts on the Levant (the eastern Mediterranean region). He was especially interested in the Greek Orthodox Church. Because of his knowledge of the East, people at Oxford sometimes called him 'Rabbi' Smith or 'Tograi' Smith. He even thought about trying to bring the Eastern Church and the Church of England closer together.

Challenges in the 1680s

From 1678 to 1679, Thomas Smith worked as a chaplain for Sir Joseph Williamson. He returned to Magdalen College in 1683 and became the vice-president.

In 1684, he was given the job of rector (a type of priest) in Standlake, but he soon left that position. In 1687, when the president of Magdalen College died, Smith hoped to take his place. However, King James II of England had other plans.

In August 1688, Smith lost his fellowship at Magdalen College. He got it back in October 1688, but he was unhappy with the "Glorious Revolution" that followed. This revolution brought William III of England and Mary II of England to the throne. Smith did not support the new rulers. He left Oxford for good on August 1, 1689. Because he repeatedly refused to swear loyalty to William and Mary, his fellowship was officially taken away on July 26, 1692.

Later Life and Work

After leaving Oxford, Thomas Smith went to live with Sir John Cotton. Sir John was the grandson of Sir Robert Cotton, 1st Baronet, of Connington, who had started a very important collection of old books and papers called the Cotton library. For at least twelve years, Smith was in charge of looking after these valuable manuscripts.

He also gave advice to others who were setting up libraries, like Narcissus Marsh. During this time, he knew Samuel Pepys, a famous diarist, and wrote letters to Humphrey Wanley, another scholar in Oxford.

Death and Legacy

Thomas Smith moved from the Cotton family's home in Westminster before he died. He passed away on May 11, 1710, in Dean Street, Soho, at the house of his friend Hilkiah Bedford. He was buried on May 13, 1710, in St. Anne's Church, Soho.

He left a large collection of books and papers to Thomas Hearne, who was a scholar interested in old things. When Hearne died in 1735, these manuscripts, books, and notes went to the Bodleian Library, a famous library at Oxford University. More of his papers followed in 1755.

Writings

• Smith, Thomas, Vitæ quorundam Eruditissimorum et Illustrium Virorum, (1707) (Latin), which means The lives of certain illustrious and erudite men.