Ascham, Roger (c. 1515–1568)

English scholar and royal tutor. His writings include Toxophilus (1545), a treatise on archery written in dialogue form, and an educational treatise The Scholemaster, published by his widow in 1570. His works could be taken as exemplary of an English Protestant schizophrenia: on the one hand, a mastery of the skills pioneered by the humanists, on the other, a distrust of Italy and all things Italian.

In 1548 Ascham was appointed tutor to Princess Elizabeth. He retained favour under Edward VI and Queen Mary (despite his Protestant views), and returned to Elizabeth's service as her secretary after she became queen.

Ascham was born in Kirby Wiske, near Northallerton, Yorkshire, and adopted by Sir Anthony Wingfield, who had him educated with his own sons. Impressed by Ascham's scholarship, his patron sent him to St John's College, Cambridge, where he proved himself a brilliant classical student and gained a fellowship. His knowledge of Greek brought him many pupils. In 1546 he became public orator of his university.

From 1550 to 1553 he was in the suite of the English ambassador at the court of Charles V, during which time he visited various places in Europe, including Italy. His ‘Report on the Affairs of Germany’ appeared in 1553. During his absence abroad he was appointed Latin secretary to Edward VI, an office which, through Bishop Gardiner's influence, he was able to continue under Queen Mary.