William Bathe facts for kids

William Bathe (April 2, 1564 – June 17, 1614) was an important person from Ireland. He was a Jesuit priest, a talented musician, and a writer. He is known for writing some of the earliest books on music and language teaching in the English language.

Life of William Bathe

William Bathe was born in Dublin, Ireland, on April 2, 1564. He grew up at Drumcondra Castle in County Dublin. His family was a well-known and wealthy family in Ireland. His father, John Bathe, held an important government job as the Chancellor of the Exchequer of Ireland. William was the oldest surviving son. When his father passed away in 1586, William inherited the family's lands. However, when he became a priest, he gave these lands to his younger brother, John, in 1601.

His Education and Talents

William Bathe studied at Oxford University where he learned about music and languages. In 1584, he wrote a book called A Briefe Introductione to the True Art of Musicke. He later updated this book around 1596, calling it A Briefe Introduction to the Skill of Song. This was the very first book about music printed in English.

Following his family's tradition, he also studied law in London. For a while, he was liked by Queen Elizabeth I. He even gave the Queen a harp that he had designed himself. The Queen gave him some land, which added to his family's large property.

Changes in Royal Favor

However, the Queen's favor changed after 1598. This happened when it was discovered that William had become a Catholic priest. At that time, becoming a Catholic priest was against the rules in England, and it made the Queen unhappy. Another one of William's brothers, Luke, also became a priest, which did not help the family's standing with the Queen.

Also, a close friendship between Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone and Sir William Warren caused problems. Sir William Warren married William's stepmother. This friendship raised questions about the Bathe family's loyalty to the English Crown during a conflict known as the Nine Years War. William Bathe is not known to have visited Ireland after 1601.

Teaching Languages in Europe

William Bathe moved to Europe where he taught languages. He wrote one of the world's first language teaching books called Janua Linguarum (which means "The Door of Tongues") in 1611. This book showed words next to pictures of what they meant. It became very popular and was translated into nine different languages within 20 years. A famous educator from the Czech Republic, Comenius, even based his own language book, Janua linguarum reserata, on Bathe's work.

For a time, William Bathe was also in charge of the Irish College in Salamanca, Spain.

It is important not to confuse William Bathe with his cousin, Sir William Bathe of Athcarne Castle, who was a judge.