The Second Oxford Company

Map of England

The Second Oxford Company translated some of most theologically sensitive portions of the New Testament from the Greek text: the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and Revelation. The team assigned to these books of the Bible included at least four deans: the gifted courtier-scholar Sir Henry Savile; the Oxford regius professor of Greek, John Perin; and Thomas Ravis and George Abbot, who both became bishops during the course of the project.

This company, like some others, endured losses. The king’s chaplain, Richard Edes, died in 1604 before he could start work; Ravis died in 1609.

Sir Henry Savile. Monument at Merton College, University of Oxford. Photograph © Tim Rawle.

George Abbot. © The Master and Fellows of University College, University of Oxford.