John Mason (diplomat)
| John Mason | |
|---|---|
| Born |
c. 1503 Abingdon, Berkshire, England |
| Died |
20 April 1566 London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Sir John Mason |
| Occupation | Diplomat, spy, MP |
| Known for | Chancellor of the University of Oxford |
Sir John Mason (1503 – 20 April 1566) was an English diplomat and spy.
Mason was born in Abingdon in Berkshire (now Oxfordshire). He was educated at the school at the abbey in his native town, where his uncle was abbot. Later, he went to All Souls College, Oxford and was ordained a priest. He became Chancellor of Oxford University for the periods 1552-1556 and 1559-1564.
He worked for several Tudor monarchs collecting information from the Continent and as a diplomat. He was knighted by Edward VI and made Dean of Winchester.
John Mason School, a secondary school in Abingdon, is named after him.
External links
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Richard Cox |
Chancellor of the University of Oxford 1552–1556 |
Succeeded by Reginald Pole |
| Preceded by Earl of Arundel |
Chancellor of the University of Oxford 1559–1564 |
Succeeded by Earl of Leicester |