COOPER (Thomas), a pious and learned prelate in the reign of queen Elizabeth, was born at Oxford about the year 1517. He was educated in the school adjoining to Magdalene college, of which he was a choirister; where also, in 1539, he was elected probationer, and fellow in the following year. About the year 1546, quitting his fellowship, he applied himself to the study of physics; in 1556 took the degree of bachelor in that faculty, and practised as physician at Oxford. Being inclined to the Protestant religion, probably this was only a prudent suspension of his final intentions during the Popish reign of queen Mary: for, on the accession of Elizabeth, he resumed the study of divinity; became a celebrated preacher, was made dean of Christchurch and vice chancellor of the university, having accumulated the degrees of bachelor and doctor in divinity. In 1569 he was made dean of Gloucester; and, the year following, bishop of Lincoln: whence, in 1584, he was translated to the see of Winchester; in which city he died on the 29th of April 1594, and was buried in the cathedral there, on the south side of the choir. The several writers who have mentioned Dr Cooper, unanimously give him the character of an eloquent preacher, a learned divine, and a good man. He had the misfortune while at Oxford to marry a lady whose gallantries became notorious: nevertheless he would not be divorced from her; knowing that he
could not live without a wife, he did not choose "to charge his conscience with the scandal of a second marriage." — He wrote, 1. The Epitome of Chronicles from the 17th year after Christ to 1540, and thence after to 1563. 2. Theſaurus linguæ Romanæ et Britannicæ. This dictionary, which is an improvement upon Elyot's, was much admired by queen Elizabeth, who thence forward determined to promote the author. 3. A brief exposition of such chapters of the Old Testament as usually are read in the church, at common prayer, on Sundays throughout the year. 4. An admonition to the people of England. 5. Sermons.