William Paddy facts for kids
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Sir William Paddy (1554–1634) was an important English doctor who served as a physician to King James I. He was known for his medical knowledge and his generous gifts to his old college.
Contents
Sir William Paddy's Life
Early Life and Education
William Paddy was born in London in 1554. When he was about 15 years old, in 1569, he started attending Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. After that, in 1571, he went to St. John's College, Oxford. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1573.
Later, he continued his medical studies and received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1589 from Leyden University. He then had this degree officially recognized at Oxford University. He also became a fellow of his college, which means he was a senior member of the university.
A Respected Doctor
Sir William Paddy became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in London, which is a very important group for doctors. He was admitted as a fellow in 1591. He was also chosen to be a "censor" several times, which meant he helped make sure doctors followed the rules. He even served as the president of the college four times (in 1609, 1610, 1611, and 1618). This shows how much his fellow doctors respected him.
Physician to the King
When King James I became king, he chose William Paddy to be his personal physician. This was a great honor! In 1603, the King knighted him, so he became "Sir William Paddy."
In 1605, King James I visited Oxford. Sir William Paddy took part in a debate in front of the King. He argued against two medical ideas:
- Whether babies get their nurses' personalities from their milk.
- Whether smoking tobacco is good for your health.
Sir William Paddy also had a house in Blackfriars, London. In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I even passed through his property during a wedding celebration.
Protecting Doctors' Rights
In 1614, the College of Physicians asked Sir William Paddy to speak up for doctors' rights. He argued that doctors should not have to serve in the military. He explained that old laws from King Henry VIII's time protected doctors. He also said that doctors, because of their medical knowledge, were skilled enough to perform surgeries without needing extra tests. The city leaders agreed with him, which was a big win for the College of Physicians.
Sir William Paddy became a very successful doctor and was friends with other famous physicians like Sir Theodore Mayerne.
Helping the King in His Final Days
In March 1625, King James I became very ill. Sir William Paddy was called to the King's home, Theobalds. He realized the King was very sick and gently told him that his end was near. The King passed away two days later. Sir William Paddy had a special copy of the Book of Common Prayer where he wrote down the King's last words about his faith.
Generous Gifts
Sir William Paddy passed away in London on December 22, 1634. He was very generous to his old college, St. John's College, Oxford. He gave them:
- An organ for their chapel.
- £1,800 to improve the choir.
- £1,000 to help with student expenses.
- Many books for the college library.
His tomb, where he is buried, is in the chapel of St. John's College.
Sir William Paddy's Writings
Sir William Paddy only published one work, which came out in 1603. It was a poem mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth I. In the poem, he also praised her successor, King James I, calling him "Solomon" (a wise king). He wished the new king good health and hoped he would not need a doctor's help.
