The Birth and Later Career of the Author William Baldwin (d. 1563)

Drawing on ecclesiastical and exchequer records, this essay offers new information about the Tudor author William Baldwin’s early life and later career, establishing such matters as his year and place of birth, date of ordination into the priesthood, and martial status. It also provides information about his ecclesiastical career (1560–63) and the network of supporters who helped him advance as a minister. Finally, it explores evidence suggesting the character of Baldwin’s religious beliefs at the opening of Elizabeth’s reign, the period in which he released A Mirror for Magistrates and other important works.