It’s gospel! Local man wrote the 23rd psalm
Reporter: HELEN KORN
Date published: 17 May 2011
A FORMER Counthill School teacher stumbled across a significant discovery in his local history class.
John Fidler (71), who teaches the Local History of Oldham class at Werneth Park, was amazed to find out that an Oldham man called Lawrence Chaderton wrote the 23rd psalm of the King James I Bible.
The bible, which many believe has influenced the English language and its literature more than any other book, celebrated the 400th anniversary of its first publication this month.
Mr Fidler said: “It was great to see that Oldham has this piece of history.
“Lawrence Chaderton was born about 1536 in the reign of Henry VIII at Lees Hall, which no longer exists. But if you go up to the council tip at Arkwright Street, you are more or less standing on holy ground, though your shoes will get dusty!
“He turned away from his father’s religion to become protestant, so his dad sent him a shilling and told him to buy a wallet, to beg for his living. He went off to study three degrees in 11 years and became ordained, often returning to Oldham to preach.
“Such was the good impression that he made his reputation spread both as a man, a preacher and a scholar.”
During this period, James VI of Scotland became James I of England and commissioned the “new” Bible from great scholars of the day. Lawrence Chaderton’s work included the psalms.
Mr Fidler added: “So next time you hear these words ‘The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want...’ perhaps you will remember the text of the 23rd psalm is the work of an Oldhamer 400 years ago!”
Chaderton lived for 29 years beyond the new bible’s publication, dying in 1640 aged 103, shortly before the start of the Civil War.
