He was born at Deptford, or "Deptford Strond," as the place used to be called, on the 1st of November, 1570.

At nine years old, he was sent to the free-school at Rochester, and remained there for four years.

Not profiting much by his education there, his father removed him to a private school at Greenwich, kept by a Mr.Adams.

Here he made so much progress, that in three years time he was ready for Cambridge.

He was accordingly sent to that University at Shrovetide, 1586, and was entered at Emmanuel College, under charge of Mr.Charles Chadwick, the president.