“A street named after whom?” you might ask as we stand here on Rue André Bernard. It’s a legitimate question. This street shares its name with Bernard André. He was a fascinating figure from the 15th and 16th centuries.
André was more than just a name. He was a French Augustinian friar of considerable talent. He was a poet, a chronicler, and even a poet laureate. But here’s a twist. He wasn’t famous in France. He became a significant figure in English history.
Born in Toulouse around 1450, André’s life took an unexpected turn. He became intertwined with the English royal court. Kings Henry VII and Henry VIII were central figures in his life. This is a curious tale of a Frenchman in England.
André served as a tutor to Prince Arthur of England. He likely had a hand in the education of the future King Henry VIII. He was also an Oxford tutor. Some believe he was blind. This adds a layer of intrigue to his story.
André’s writings are mostly in Latin. They reflect Renaissance thought and diction. His “Historia Henrici Septimi” offers valuable insights. It sheds light on the Cornish Rebellion of 1497.
He joined the Order of St Augustine in Toulouse. It’s often said he came from a distinguished family. He earned a doctorate in both civil and canon law. He likely achieved this before joining Henry VII in England in 1485. He was about 35.
André met Henry Tudor while he was living and studying in France. Henry became a patron to André. The poet and songwriter became part of Henry’s court. André followed Henry to England displaying fervor for the Tudor cause.
He didn’t witness the Battle of Bosworth but joined Henry’s triumphant entry into London. His English allegiance made returning to France impossible. He never went back.
In England, André found a teaching position. King Henry VII granted him an annuity. Church preferment eventually came his way. He received the hospital of St Leonard’s. Later he obtained a benefice from the parish of Guysnes near Calais.
King Henry VII also gave André a yearly gift possibly for poetic eulogies to the King. Henry VIII continued this tradition giving gifts to “Master Barnard the blind poet”.
André possessed vast knowledge of Roman and Greek classics. He was an early humanist in England. Around 1495, he became the Latin tutor of Prince Arthur Tudor.
For Arthur, André composed tracts on grammar and rhetoric. Arthur studied many classical authors. His younger brother Henry may have participated in these lessons. André’s tutorship ended in 1499.
André witnessed Arthur’s marriage by proxy to Catherine of Aragon. He likely helped Arthur with his Latin letters to Catherine. Arthur died five months after meeting Catherine. She later married his brother Henry VIII.
After tutoring Prince Arthur, Henry VII named André royal historiographer. André began writing “The Life of Henry VII”. He left it unfinished after Arthur’s death.
André was blind before ending his writing career. He often mentioned his blindness. He couldn’t seek additional information. He was consoled that Homer was also blind.
Erasmus became André’s enemy. Erasmus sought lodging in London. André mediated rooms for him in London’s Austin Friars. Erasmus resented paying the bill. He remained contemptuous of André.
Before this, Erasmus praised André’s commentary on St Augustine’s “City of God.”
André likely died around 1521. He was buried in Austin Friars Church, London. He wrote about sixty works mostly in Latin. Most of them are now lost.
His historical writings are the only contemporary record of Henry VII’s reign. He focused on Henry VII’s lineage and the workings of history. His work reflects humanist models on English historiography.
André wrote songs for social gatherings. He wrote for the wedding celebration of Marie. His verses were full of classical allusions.
He was writing in Latin and French as late as 1520. The introduction of English into literature was gradual.
So, as you walk along Rue André Bernard remember the blind poet. Remember the tutor and chronicler. Remember the Frenchman who found fame in England. His story is etched not in stone but in the very name of this Parisian street.