William Mowse facts for kids

William Mowse (sometimes spelled Mouse or Mosse) was an important English lawyer who lived in the 1500s. He was also the head, or Master, of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, a famous college at Cambridge University. He passed away on August 12, 1588.

Who Was William Mowse?

William Mowse was a smart and skilled lawyer during a time of big changes in England. He held many important jobs in law and education, including being a professor and a leader at a university college. His career saw many ups and downs due to the changing rulers of England.

Early Life and Education

William Mowse started his education at Cambridge University. He earned his first law degree (called an LL.B.) in 1538. Later, he also became a priest. In 1552, he earned a higher law degree, an LL.D., showing how dedicated he was to his studies.

A Career of Changes

In 1552, William Mowse became the Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. This was a big job, and he got it with help from powerful people like Thomas Cranmer and William Cecil.

Working for the Queen

When Queen Mary came to power in 1553, things changed for William. He was involved in some political shifts at the university. He even lost his job as Master of Trinity Hall for a short time, but he got it back in 1555 after Queen Mary's religious policies became more settled. He also became a professor of civil law at Oxford University around this time.

After Queen Elizabeth I became queen, William Mowse again faced changes. He lost his teaching job at Oxford and his leadership role at Trinity Hall. However, he quickly gained new and very important legal positions. In 1559, he became a top legal advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was a very powerful religious leader. He also served as a judge in important courts.

Important Legal Roles

William Mowse held many significant legal jobs throughout his life. He was known as a very capable lawyer. For example, in 1564, he was part of a group that helped solve legal problems about ships and trade. This group looked into complaints that English ships were causing trouble for Spanish traders.

Later Life and Legacy

William Mowse continued his important work until his death in 1588. He was not only a skilled lawyer but also a scholar, meaning he was very knowledgeable. He was friends with other smart people of his time, like Sir John Cheke. He even helped write a book that defended the Queen of Scots.

In his will, which is a document stating how his property should be handled after his death, William Mowse left a lot of money and gifts to Trinity Hall. This showed how much he cared about the college where he had once been Master.