John Rastell
John Rastell was a multifaceted figure of the sixteenth century, recognized as a lawyer, playwright, publisher, and coroner, who hailed from a prominent family in Coventry, England. After training as a lawyer at the Middle Temple, he served as city coroner in Coventry and married Elizabeth More, sister of Sir Thomas More. Rastell moved to London in 1510, where he became a significant publisher, producing a variety of works including legal texts, humor, and drama, aiming to make literature accessible to both the working class and the elite. Notably, he embarked on a journey to the New World in 1517, which was cut short due to mutiny, during which he wrote several plays, including the renowned "The Nature of the Four Elements." In 1524, he constructed a theater in Finsbury, the first of its kind in England, where he showcased his plays. Over time, Rastell's religious views evolved from Catholicism to support for the Church of England, aligning himself with reformist figures like Thomas Cromwell. His outspoken opposition to tithing led to his arrest in 1535, and he died in prison the following year. Rastell is perhaps best remembered for his 1523 legal dictionary, "Exposiciones terminorum legum anglorum," which was the first of its kind printed in England and underwent numerous reprints.
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John Rastell
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- Born: c. 1475
- Died: April 20, 1536
Biography
John Rastell, a sixteenth century lawyer, playwright, publisher, and coroner, grew up in Coventry, England, in a socially prominent family. He trained as a lawyer at the Middle Temple in London. In 1506, after completing his law training, Rastell returned to Coventry and worked for his father as a city coroner. At this time, Rastell married Elizabeth More, a devout Roman Catholic and the sister of Sir Thomas More. The couple had three children.
In 1510, Rastell moved to London, where he oversaw the transport of artillery during the French War of 1512. While in London, Rastell established a press and became a well-known printer of a variety of materials, including joke books, play scripts, legal works, and works of English history. His goal as a publisher was to provide a wide range of printed material which would be appropriate for working-class people as well as the socially elite.
In 1517, Rastell, who harbored an interest in world geography, embarked on a journey to the New World. However, due to the crew’s mutiny, Rastell’s ship turned back before reaching its destination. On his return voyage, Rastell penned a series of plays. The most noted of these plays was The Nature of the Four Elements.
In 1524, Rastell built a house in Finsbury, England. This estate included a theater, which became the first playhouse in England. Rastell used this playhouse to present his play The Nature of the Four Elements as well as other popular dramas of the time.
In the 1530’s, Rastell began to shift his religious beliefs from Catholicism to the reformist religion of the Church of England. At this time, Rastell became an avid supporter of Thomas Cromwell, a prominent reformist. In 1535, Rastell publicly opposed the practice of tithing and was arrested. He died in prison the following year.
Rastell was best known for his legal dictionary, which was published in 1523. This work, titled Exposiciones terminorum legum anglorum, was the first law dictionary printed in England. This work was later titled Termes de la ley and reprinted in twenty-nine different editions.