William May (theologian) facts for kids

William May (died 1560), also known as William Meye, was an important church leader in England during the 1500s. He was the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London. He was chosen to become the Archbishop of York, which is a very high position in the church, but he sadly passed away in 1560 before he could start that role.

Early Life and Education

William May was the brother of John May, who later became a bishop in a place called Carlisle. William went to Cambridge University, which is a famous school in England. While he was there, he became a "fellow" at Trinity Hall. This means he was a senior member of the college, often involved in teaching and research. In 1537, he became the "president" of Queens' College, which means he was in charge of that college.

Supporting the Reformation

William May strongly supported the Reformation in England. This was a big change in the 1500s when the Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope.

• In 1536, he signed something called the Ten Articles. These were a set of beliefs that helped define the new Church of England.
• He also helped create a book called The Institution of a Christian Man. This book explained the new religious ideas and teachings for people to understand.

William May also worked closely with the church area called the diocese of Ely. He held several important jobs there, like "chancellor," "vicar-general," and "prebendary." These roles involved managing church affairs and finances.

Roles at St Paul's Cathedral

In 1545, William May became a "prebendary" at St Paul's Cathedral in London. A prebendary was a type of priest who received income from the cathedral. The very next year, in 1546, he became the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. The Dean is the head of the cathedral and is in charge of its daily operations and services.

Saving Cambridge Colleges

William May did something very important for education. He wrote a positive report about the colleges at Cambridge University. This report helped save them from being closed down by the government, which was happening to many religious places at the time.

Challenges and Restoration

During the time of Queen Mary I, who was a Catholic, William May lost his position as Dean of St Paul's because he supported the Protestant Reformation. However, when Elizabeth I became Queen, she was a Protestant. She brought William May back to his job as Dean.

Sadly, William May passed away on the very same day he was chosen to be the Archbishop of York. This was a very high honor, and it's a shame he didn't get to serve in that role.