Thomas Elyot
Thomas Elyot was an English humanist and author born around 1490, recognized for his contributions to literature and education during the sixteenth century. The son of a prominent lawyer, he received a largely self-directed education in liberal studies, philosophy, and medicine. Elyot's notable work, "The Boke Named the Gouernour," published in 1531, aimed to prepare future leaders for their roles in society and garnered the approval of King Henry VIII, which led to Elyot's elevation in political positions. Despite his accomplishments, including serving as an ambassador and sheriff, he faced financial difficulties, particularly during his diplomatic duties. Elyot is credited with creating the first Latin-English dictionary in 1538 and for introducing several new words to the English language, such as "encyclopaedia." His efforts in education and literature earned him recognition as a significant figure in the humanist movement. Throughout his life, Elyot sought to uplift and educate the people of his time, leaving a lasting impact on English language and thought.
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Thomas Elyot
Diplomat
- Born: c. 1490
- Birthplace: Probably Wiltshire, England
- Died: March 26, 1546
Biography
Thomas Elyot was born in England around 1490. He was the first son of Sir Richard Elyot and Alice Delamere. While Delamere was Sir Richard Elyot’s first wife, she was the widow of Sir Thomas Daubridgecourt and had several children from that marriage. While both Oxford and Cambridge have claimed Thomas Elyot as an alumnus, Elyot said he was primarily self-taught. He once wrote that as a child he was educated in his father’s house, yet after the age of twelve he had not been instructed by a teacher. Elyot pursued liberal studies and philosophy as well as medicine; he would later include in all these subjects in his writings.
Sir Richard Elyot was a prominent lawyer, and in 1506 he was appointed a justice of assize for the western circuit. In 1510 Elyot was married to Margaret A’Barrow, and in 1511 he was employed in the western circuit as a clerk under his father. In 1522 Elyot’s father died, leaving his Oxon estates to Sir Thomas Fynderne of Carlton. One year later Sir Thomas Fynderne died and left his estates in Carlton as well as Sir Richard Elyot’s former estates in Oxon to Thomas Elyot.
Elyot moved to the Carlton estate in 1530 and began his work as an author. Elyot’s first work was completed in 1531. The book, entitled The Boke Named the Gouernour, was intended to educate those who would one day fill high positions in British society. This book was most likely based partially on Elyot’s own experiences and education. This book was met with high favor by King Henry the VIII and eventually led to Elyot’s reluctant advancement to higher positions.
While Elyot continued to work on his writing he was appointed as ambassador to the Emperor Charles V. Elyot was not fond of this position and at one point had asked his friend Thomas Cromwell to relieve him; the expenses he incurred in the position were slowly driving Elyot to poverty. This request was denied. Later, Elyot was sent to the Netherlands to assist in the capture of William Tyndale, a task Elyot seemed to approach halfheartedly. Elyot, now known as Sir Thomas Elyot, returned to England in 1532 and was quickly appointed sheriff of Cambridigeshire and Huntingdonshire. It is said that around this time the king’s favor of Elyot lessened, possibly due to Elyot’s friendship with Thomas More. From there Elyot continued to work, and in 1538 he published the first Latin-English dictionary. Until his death in the mid-1500’s, Sir Thomas Elyot continued to write and hold his positions within the British government.
Ultimately, Elyot became known and credited with many achievements beyond creating the first Latin-English dictionary. He is recognized for his introduction of a number of new words into the English vocabulary, including “encyclopaedia,” and “sackbutt,” the original name of the trombone. Elyot was also known for his that which continually tried to improve and educate the people of the sixteenth century. Later, scholars would label Elyot an important and influential humanist.