John Rudd

Who was John Rudd?

John Rudd was a Tudor cartographer and clergyman.

In 1561 he was given two years' leave from his duties as Vicar of Dewsbury and Rector of Thornhill to travel the country with the objective of mapping England. Although he does not appear to have completed this objective, it was completed by his apprentice, Christopher Saxton. Saxton was employed by Rudd as a servant and it seems likely that he accompanied him on these trips, and learned draughting and surveying skills from his master.

As well as various benefices, Rudd held a prebend at Durham. He and his wife Isabel had at least three daughters and three sons, of whom John followed his father in ministry. After becoming embroiled in controversy at Cambridge, leading to an appearance before the High Commission, the younger John settled down as Vicar of Shephall in Hertfordshire, where his memorial takes the form of a map cartouche, with a depiction of him as the Good Shepherd, brandishing a very episcopal-looking crook! He left bequests to Durham Cathedral School and various churches in Durham and Hertfordshire.