Sir Henry Savile

Meet a Translator

(1549–1622)

Sir Henry Savile was the only King James Bible translator who was not a member of the clergy. He had many interests, including geometry, astronomy, and literature. In his 20s, he traveled to many different countries in Europe, including Bohemia and Poland. When he came back to England, he became Queen Elizabeth’s Greek tutor. In 1604, he was made a knight by King James.

Sir Henry Savile and the other members of his company worked at Oxford University, translating the Gospels and the books of Acts and Revelation from Greek into English.

Sir Henry and his wife Margaret had two children, Henry, who died very young, and Elizabeth.