About: Robert Recorde

Very influential physician and mathamatician. Robert published some of the most important books of his era including the first English language book on Algebra which incidentally is where the equals symbol is first seen in use! He achieved high office too, being not only the king's physician but also the controller of the Royal Mint (which is now based in Pontyclun, South Wales).

As is true today, positions of power attract enemies and sadly it was his high profile that lead to his downfall. Robert was broken by a law suit and as a bankrupt was sent to debtours jail at Southwark where he died.

connection: From Tenby, West Wales.
posted by: EdWelsh