Roger Ascham

Roger Ascham (1515-68), English scholar and author, a major intellectual figure in Tudor England. He was born in Kirby Wiske, Yorkshire, and educated at Saint John's College, University of Cambridge. In 1540 he became the first professor of Greek at Cambridge. He published a popular treatise on archery called Toxophilus (1545). This work, which was a defense of physical recreation for scholars, was dedicated to King Henry VIII of England. The essay pleased the king, who granted the author an annual pension. Ascham was appointed tutor to Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I, in 1548. His instruction was at least partially responsible for her proficiency in Latin and Greek and her lifelong love of the classics. In 1550 Ascham traveled through Europe with a diplomatic mission. Thus, he was able to visit schools and scholars on the Continent. After returning to England in 1553, he became Latin secretary to the new queen, Mary I. Upon her death in 1558, he was appointed secretary to Queen Elizabeth, a post he held for the remainder of his life. He was the author of several scholarly writings, including The Scholemaster (published posthumously, 1570).