Lydiat, Thomas (1572-04-04 - 1646-04-03)

Thomas Lydiat (bap. 4 April 1572 at Alkerton) was the son of Christopher Lydiat (d.1613/4). Educated at Winchester College from 1584, he matriculated from New College, Oxford in 1592, became a fellow in 1593, graduated B.A. in 1595, and proceeded M.A. in 1599. He resigned his fellowship in 1603 and dedicated himself to astronomy and chronology, delivering lectures that went on to be published. He was appointed chronographer and cosmographer to Henry, prince of Wales in the first decade of the seventeenth century. He moved to Ireland and was admitted as a fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, graduating M.A. in 1609. Having returned to England in 1611, Lydiat became rector of Alkerton the following year. He produced a number of astronomical and chronological works, harmonies of the gospels in several languages, and over 600 sermons. Lydiat was imprisoned for debt in Oxford and Southwark numerous times between 1627 and 1630; he was financially assisted through the efforts of scholars like James Ussher. Lydiat sided with royalists during the 1640s; an assault by soldiers may have caused his death on 3 April 1646. He was buried in the chancel of Alkerton church and a memorial was placed in New College chapel.