John Bromyard

Theologian, d. about 1390. He takes his name from his birthplace in Herefordshire, England. He entered the Dominican order and was sent to Oxford where he distinguished himself in theology and jurisprudence. It is probable that he lectured on theology at Oxford while it is certain that he laboured in the same Faculty at Cambridge. He was one of the most pronounced opponents of the doctrines of Wyclif. Though his name is not mentioned in the acts of the London Synod of 1382 held by William de Courtenay, Archbishop of Canterbury, where the doctrines of Wyclif were condemned as heretical, it is admitted by all that he took a leading part in drawing up the decree of condemnation. He was also a much-prized writer as the many editions of his "Summa Praedicantium" attest. Excerpts were made from this work and published separately as brochures and widely circulated among the people. In his "Opus Trivium" he arranges for the convenience of preachers various topics drawn from theology, civil and canon laws. This work was later on edited by Philip Bromyard, and hence some maintain, but without reason, that he was the real author.