he was from nottinghamshire, and sent to trinity college, cambridge of which he became fellow. he passed to oxford university, where, on 15 july 1578, he was incorporated m.a. he returned to cambridge, and was known as a 'hard student' of theology. he became associated with the household of henry herbert, 2nd earl of pembroke. by his patron's influence he was appointed treasurer of llandaff, collated 28 january 1590; he had already obtained a prebend in hereford cathedral.