Thomas Yale facts for kids
Thomas Yale (1525/6–1577) was an important lawyer and church leader in England. He worked closely with the Archbishops of Canterbury, who were the heads of the Church of England. These Archbishops were Matthew Parker and later Edmund Grindal. Thomas Yale also served as an advisor to his cousin, Queen Elizabeth Tudor, during a time when England's church was changing.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas Yale was born in 1525 or 1526. He came from an important Welsh family called the House of Yale. His family was even related to the famous Tudor kings and queens of England, like Queen Elizabeth I. This connection came through his grandfather, Ellis ap Griffith, who was a cousin of the Tudors.
His family had a long history in Wales. They were connected to powerful figures like Owen Glendower, a Welsh prince. Thomas Yale's great-uncle, Gruffydd Fychan Vaughan, helped hide Henry Tudor before he became king.
Thomas had two brothers, Roger and John. Roger Lloyd Yale worked as a secretary for Cardinal Wolsey. Cardinal Wolsey was a very powerful minister to King Henry VIII. He played a big part in the English Reformation, which changed the church in England.
Thomas's other brother, John Wynn, was the ancestor of the Yale family in America. John's son, David Yale, was also a chancellor. David Yale's grandson, Elihu Yale, later gave his name to Yale University in America.
Education and Early Career
Thomas Yale studied at Cambridge University. He earned his first degree in 1542 or 1543. He became a Fellow at Queens' College, Cambridge, which meant he was part of the college's governing body. He continued his studies and became a Master of Arts in 1546.
He held several important positions at the university. He was a Bursar, managing the college's money, from 1549 to 1551. He also served as a Proctor for the university in 1552.
In 1554, he became a Commissary for the Diocese of Ely. This role involved helping to manage church affairs. He also oversaw the Diocese of Bangor in Wales for a time. During the reign of Queen Mary I, he helped search for books that were considered against the church.
Thomas Yale earned his Doctor of Laws degree in 1557. In 1559, he became a lawyer for the Court of Arches. This court handled church law.
Working with the Archbishops
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Thomas Yale was very important in helping Queen Elizabeth I establish the Church of England. He and other lawyers confirmed that the Queen's choice for the first Archbishop of Canterbury, Matthew Parker, was legal. Yale himself read the Queen's order for Parker's consecration.
Archbishop Parker was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth and her mother, Anne Boleyn. He became the main leader in shaping the Anglican Church. Thomas Yale worked closely with Parker, living at Lambeth Palace in London, which was the Archbishop's official home.
As a judge, Thomas Yale helped keep order within the church. He visited different church areas and courts to make sure church laws were followed. In 1562, he became Chancellor of the Diocese of Bangor in Wales. He also visited colleges at Oxford University.
In 1567, he became the Dean of the Arches. This meant he was the main judge for the Arches Court, which was a very important church court. He held this position until 1573.
When Richard Rogers became the Bishop Suffragan of Dover in 1569, Thomas Yale was present at the ceremony. This event took place at Lambeth Palace.
In 1570, Thomas Yale became responsible for issuing licenses for marriages. He also helped visit churches and dioceses in Norwich. He was also a Joint-Keeper of the Prerogative court, which dealt with the Queen's special powers.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Yale married Joanna Waleron in 1561. After Archbishop Parker died in 1575, Thomas Yale helped manage his affairs. Parker's successor, Edmund Grindal, also appointed Thomas Yale to important roles. He continued to serve as Chancellor and judge for the new Archbishop.
In 1576, he helped address religious disagreements. He also visited the Diocese of Bangor and the church at Wells.
Thomas Yale built the Yale Chapel in Bryneglwys, Wales, in 1575. This chapel is where his family is buried. He became ill and died in late 1577.
His home near London was Newberry Manor. This estate later belonged to other important families.
For many years, Thomas Yale was a High Commissioner to Queen Elizabeth I. This meant he acted as an ambassador and advisor to the Queen. He was a key leader in the Church of England during the time of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement.
Thomas Yale also collected many old records and documents. Some of his writings are still kept in famous libraries today. His great-great-grandnephew, Elihu Yale, later became a major supporter of Yale University in America.
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