… Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
Father of Modern Science
Francis Bacon was born in London, England on January 22, 1561. His
father was an attendant to the Court of Queen Elizabeth I. Bacon was raised
along with his seven older brothers and sisters at York House. He entered
Trinity College in 1573. He pursued a career in law after the death of his
father in 1576 and in 1584 became a Member of Parliament. In 1618 he became
Lord High Chancellor - a position of royal prestige.
Bacon is best known in the modern world as the "Father of
Modern Science" for his development of the experimental approach to
research. His life included episodes in the center of many historic events. As
a result, he is one of England's most famous historical figures. In all the
volumes of writing about this celebrated man, references to his homosexuality
are most often omitted.
Francis Bacon and His "Attendants"
Although he married in 1909, it was common knowledge that Francis
Bacon favored the company of his young male attendants. His mother wrote
letters complaining of her son's choice of bed companions, although it seems
that she was more disturbed by the class differences than the fact that they
were male. Bacon wrote passionately on the virtues of "masculine
love."
"Although nuptial love maketh mankind, friendly love
perfecteth it." - Francis Bacon - "Of Love"
His biographer made extensive references to Bacon's
"pedastry" - a Renaissance term for homosexuality, although published
versions of his life stories were sanitized.
"For whereas presenty upon his [Bacon's] censure at this time
his ambition was moderated, his pride humbled, and the mean of his former
injustice and corruption removed; yet would he not relinquish the practice of
his most horrible and secret sin of sodomy, keeping still one Godrick, a very
effeminate faced youth, to bee his catamite and bedfellow. . . " ~ Sir
Simonds D'Ewes in "Autobiography and Correspondence."
Had he not been of such high social status, Bacon may have received
the same treatment as his brother-in-law who was executed for homosexual acts.
Death by Frozen Chicken
Bacon found himself in the center of heated debates on the
treatment of Catholics by the Church of England and the unification of Scotland
and England. His defense of King James I after he dissolved Parliament earned
even more enemies. In 1621, he was banned from public office following a trial
in which he was accused of accepting bribes while serving as a judge.
In his remaining years Bacon wrote a number of philosophical
works. His research into the effect that freezing temperatures have on meat
resulted in tragedy. In March of 1626, Bacon took advantage of wintry
conditions for his studies by taking a chicken and stuffing it with snow. He
became ill from exposure to the cold. Bacon died from complications of
pneumonia on April 9, 1626.
In his will, Bacon bequeathed generous amounts to his favorite
attendants including £100 pounds to Henry Percy, £200 to Francis Edney, and to
Tobie Matthew a ring valued at £30 along with the title Sir Tobie which Bacon
had secured for him.
Learn More About Francis Bacon
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Visit the Francis Bacon entry in the Great Queens of History
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