James, Thomas (1572-03-25 - 1629-08-01)

The exact date of birth of Thomas James is unknown. Born in 1572/3 at Newport, Isle of Wight, he matriculated at New College, Oxford on 28 January 1591/2, aged nineteen. James was elected as a Fellow of the College on 30 June 1593. He graduated B.A. on 3 May 1595, proceeding M.A. on 5 February 1599. He was the first Librarian of Bodley's Library, holding this post from 1598 until 1620. His publications, many of them directed against Catholics, included A Treatise of the Corrvption of Scripture, &c. (London, 1611). In 1609, he served as chaplain to Richard Bancroft. On 16 May 1614, he was awarded the degrees of B.D. and D.D. James also held several livings: St Aldate's, Oxford; Midley, Kent; and Little Mongeham, Kent. He was rector of the Kentish parishes until his death in August 1629. Thomas James was buried in New College Chapel, Oxford.