Arthur Lake, English bishop and scholar (b. 1569)

Arthur Lake (September 1569 – 4 May 1626) was a prominent figure in the Jacobean Church of England, best remembered for his tenure as the Bishop of Bath and Wells and, notably, as a potential contributor to one of the most influential texts in the English language, the King James Version of The Bible.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Born in September 1569 in the bustling port town of Southampton, Arthur Lake's early life offered a glimpse into the respectable, if not aristocratic, echelons of Elizabethan society. He was the son of Almeric Lake, whose role as a minor customs official would have provided a stable, albeit modest, upbringing. His intellectual journey began early, attending King Edward VI School in Southampton until he was twelve. This foundational education prepared him for a more rigorous academic path.

On 28 December 1581, a significant milestone occurred when he was elected a scholar of the prestigious Winchester College, an institution renowned for educating future leaders and clergy. He remained at Winchester, immersing himself in classical learning, until he turned eighteen. His talents then led him to New College, Oxford, a highly esteemed constituent college of the University, where he secured a scholarship and matriculated in July 1588. His academic prowess quickly shone through, as he was elected a fellow of the college in 1589. He diligently pursued his studies, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree on 4 June 1591, followed by his Master of Arts on 3 May 1595, cementing his reputation as a scholar of considerable ability within Oxford's hallowed halls.

A Rising Star in the Church

Lake’s academic achievements laid a strong foundation for a distinguished career in the Church of England. His first significant ecclesiastical appointment came in 1599 when he was presented with the rectory of Havant in Hampshire, a vital step in ascending the clerical ladder. The year 1600 marked a pivotal moment; he resigned his coveted fellowship at Oxford but was swiftly admitted as a fellow of Winchester College on 16 June, indicating his continued connection to the educational institutions that had shaped him. Further responsibilities soon followed: in 1601, he became the rector of Hambledon, a parish not far from Havant, and by 1603, he also took on the rectory of Chilcomb, near Winchester. These successive appointments underscore his growing standing and the trust placed in his pastoral and administrative capabilities within the diocese.

The King James Bible: A Potential Contribution

One of the most intriguing aspects of Arthur Lake's life is his probable, though not definitively proven, involvement in the monumental task of translating the King James Version of The Bible. Having been awarded a Doctor of Divinity (DD) at Oxford, a prerequisite for many high-ranking ecclesiastical positions and a clear sign of his theological erudition, he was certainly qualified. Around 1609, he may have been among the learned clergymen charged with editing this ambitious new English translation commissioned by King James I himself. This project aimed to create a single, authoritative version of the Bible for the English-speaking world, a task that required immense scholarship and collaboration.

While unequivocal evidence of his direct involvement remains elusive, the initials "AL" appear frequently throughout the notes of the General Committee of Review, the body responsible for meticulously reviewing the translated text. Given Lake's academic background, theological expertise, and the absence of any other plausible candidate with those initials from that period's prominent clergy, many scholars consider his participation highly likely. Furthermore, a familial connection might have opened doors: his brother, Sir Thomas Lake, served as a secretary for King James I, placing the Lake family within the king's inner circle and potentially facilitating Arthur's involvement in such a significant royal undertaking.

Bishop of Bath and Wells and Lasting Legacy

Arthur Lake's distinguished career culminated in his elevation to the episcopate, becoming the Bishop of Bath and Wells. This prestigious role placed him at the head of one of England's ancient dioceses, entrusting him with significant spiritual and administrative responsibilities. His life, marked by dedication to scholarship, pastoral care, and potentially contributing to a work of enduring theological and literary significance, concluded on 4 May 1626. Arthur Lake's journey from a Southampton customs official's son to a respected bishop and a probable, albeit discreet, force behind the King James Bible, solidifies his place in early 17th-century English history.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Arthur Lake?
Arthur Lake was an English clergyman who served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1616 until his death in 1626. He is also believed to have been a significant, though unconfirmed, contributor to the translation of the King James Version of The Bible.
What was Arthur Lake's role in the King James Bible?
While not definitively proven, it is highly probable that Arthur Lake was one of the clergymen involved in editing the King James Version of The Bible, commissioned by King James I. Evidence for his involvement includes the recurring initials "AL" in the notes of the General Committee of Review, and his strong academic and theological qualifications.
Where did Arthur Lake receive his education?
Arthur Lake received a comprehensive education, starting at King Edward VI School in Southampton. He then attended Winchester College, a prestigious public school, before continuing his studies at New College, Oxford, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees, and later a Doctor of Divinity.
What significant ecclesiastical positions did Arthur Lake hold?
Beyond his early roles as rector of Havant, Hambledon, and Chilcomb, Arthur Lake's most prominent ecclesiastical position was his tenure as the Bishop of Bath and Wells, a significant leadership role within the Church of England.
What evidence suggests Arthur Lake's involvement in the King James Bible translation?
The primary evidence for Arthur Lake's involvement in the King James Bible translation comes from the initials "AL" appearing frequently in the notes of the General Committee of Review. Combined with his scholarly background, theological expertise (including a DD from Oxford), and the lack of other plausible candidates, this strongly suggests his participation, though no definitive, explicit record confirms it.