Ulpian Fulwell facts for kids

Ulpian Fulwell (born around 1545 or 1546, died before 1586) was an English writer. He wrote plays, funny stories (called satires), and poems. Later in his life, he became a priest in a church in Gloucestershire. It seems he didn't always focus on his church duties.

Life and Writings

Ulpian Fulwell was born in Wells, Somerset. His father, Thomas Fulwell, sold linen, and his mother was Christabel James. Ulpian became a priest in 1566. He got married twice. First, to Eleanor Warde in 1572, who passed away in 1577. Then, in 1578, he married Marie Whorwood. They had six children together.

In 1578, Ulpian went to St Mary Hall, Oxford. He likely finished his studies there. By 1584, people called him a "master of arts."

A Priest's Duties

In 1570, Fulwell became the priest for the town of Naunton. This town is near Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire. However, it seemed he was not very strict about his duties. In 1572, people noticed the church building was falling apart. Four years later, he had to pay a fine. This was because his church helper could not read or write. Also, parents in the area had stopped sending their children to religious classes. All six of Fulwell's own children were baptized in Naunton. One of his children died in 1585. Ulpian Fulwell himself probably died by 1586. Another person, Joseph Hanxman, took over as the priest of Naunton that year.

Plays and Books

Ulpian Fulwell might have spent more time on his writing than on his church work. His first play was called Like Will to Like, Quod the Devil to the Collier. It was first printed in 1568. This play was a type of morality play. These plays often taught lessons about good and bad choices. Fulwell's play looked at ideas of right and wrong. It also explored different bad habits. This play may have influenced another play called Grim the Collier of Croydon. Fulwell's play was even performed again in Canada in 1968 and 1988.

In 1575, Fulwell published a book called The Flower of Fame. This book supported the House of Tudor, the royal family at the time. He dedicated this book to William Cecil, Lord Burghley, a very important person.

In 1576, he released another work, Ars adulandi, or, The Art of Flattery. This book contained eight funny stories (satires). He dedicated these to Mildred, Lady Burghley, Lord Burghley's wife. His criticisms were quite strong. Because of this, a court ordered him to take back some of his words. He did this on July 7, 1576. A new version of his book came out in 1579.

Works

• Like Will to Like (published 1568)
• The Flower of Fame (1575), a history of King Henry VIII with poems
• Ars adulandi, or, The Art of Flattery (1576), humorous conversations