Two Carmelite Astronomers at Oxford: John of Avon and Nicholas of Lynn

Abstract

During the fourteenth century, studies in astronomy and mathematics flourished in Oxford University. There was a great interest in calculating the phases of the sun and the moon especially as these were needed in order to predict the dates when Easter and other church feast days would fall. Among the scholars working in this field were two Carmelites, John of Avon and Nicholas of Lynn. Little is known about John of Avon who flourished c1340 but he is remembered for producing a perpetual calendar in 1348 which has sadly not survived. His successor Nicholas of Lynn is better known and his fame was such that he was asked in 1386 to produce a calendar for John of Gaunt. This calendar survives in a number of copies and was edited by Sigmund Eisner in 1980. However, more information on Nicholas has come to light in recent years, including many newly discovered manuscripts. This article brings together new details on Nicholas' life, an up-to-date list of known manuscripts of his calendar and a bibliography of recently published articles.