William Celling facts for kids

William Celling (also known as William Tilly of Selling) was an important English figure who lived a long time ago. He was a special kind of monk called a Benedictine prior, which is like a leader in a monastery. He also worked as a diplomat, helping his country talk to other nations. Plus, he was a humanist scholar, someone who loved to learn and study old books and ideas. He passed away in 1494.

About William Celling

William Celling got his name from a village called Selling in Kent, England. He became a monk at Christ Church, Canterbury. Later, he went to the famous University of Oxford. There, he joined a new college called All Souls College.

Becoming a Leader and Traveler

In 1472, William Celling was chosen to be the prior of Christ Church in Canterbury. After this, he took his first trip to Italy. While he was there, he met a famous scholar named Politian.

William Celling loved old books. During his travels, he collected many valuable Latin and Greek manuscripts. These were handwritten copies of ancient texts. When he returned to England, he brought these precious books with him. Some of the books he collected included a copy of Cicero's Republic and works by other important thinkers.

He worked hard to improve the library at Christ Church. He fixed up the library above the prior's chapel to keep his new collection safe. Sadly, many of his books were later lost in a fire about 25 years after he collected them.

A Wise Manager and Teacher

William Celling was a very careful and smart leader. He helped his priory get out of debt. He also oversaw important building projects.

He was very interested in education. He took on Thomas Linacre as his student. Thomas Linacre later became a very famous doctor and scholar. Thomas Linacre even traveled with Celling on his second trip to Italy. This trip was a special mission to Rome between 1485 and 1490.

Diplomat and Final Years

In 1490 and 1491, William Celling worked as a diplomat. He helped Richard Foxe, who was the bishop of Exeter at the time. They worked together on important talks between England, France, and Brittany.

William Celling died a few years later, on December 10, 1494. He was buried in a special tomb in the area where Thomas Becket was martyred. His tomb had a long message describing his important trips to France and Rome.