John Rudd (cartographer) (original) (raw)

John Rudd (Yorkshire c. 1498 – Durham 1579) was a Tudor cartographer and clergyman. In 1561 he was given two years' leave from his duties as Vicar of Dewsbury (1554-1570) and Rector of Thornhill (1558-1570/78) 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.