Richardson, John (1564-03-25 - 1625-04-20)

The exact date of birth of John Richardson is unknown. Born at Linton, Cambridgeshire, c. 1564, he matriculated sizar from Clare College, Cambridge (Michaelmas Term, 1578), graduating B.A. in 1581. He migrated to Emmanuel College, proceeding M.A. in 1585, becoming a Fellow of the College in the same year. He was ordained deacon on 11 March 1592, and was awarded the degree of B.D. He was instituted to the rectory of Upwell, Norfolk in 1595. Two years later, he was awarded the degree of D.D. In 1607, he succeeded John Overall as Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, holding this post for ten years. On 30 January 1609, Richardson succeeded Robert Some as Master of Peterhouse. Subsequently, on 27 May 1615, he became Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. He served as Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1617 until 1618. As a gifted Hebraist, he served as one of the translators of the Authorized Version of the Bible. John Richardson died on 20 April 1625, and was buried in the chapel of Trinity College.