Elias Ashmole
(1617-1692)
antiquary, politician, officer of arms, astrologer, Windsor Herald to Charles II, and Founder of the Ashmolean Museum
Died aged c. 75
Wikidata WikipediaElias Ashmole FRS (/ɪˈlaɪ.ʌs ˈæʃmoʊl/; 23 May 1617 – 18 May 1692) was an English antiquary, politician, officer of arms, astrologer and student of alchemy. Ashmole supported the royalist side during the English Civil War, and at the restoration of Charles II he was rewarded with several lucrative offices. Ashmole was an antiquary with a strong Baconian leaning towards the study of nature. His library reflected his intellectual outlook, including works on English history, law, numismatics, chorography, alchemy, astrology, astronomy, and botany. Although he was one of the founding Fellows of the Royal Society, a key institution in the development of experimental science, his interests were antiquarian and mystical as well as scientific. He was an early freemason, although the extent of his involvement and commitment is unclear. Throughout his life he was an avid collector of curiosities and other artefacts. Many of these he acquired from the traveller, botanist, and collector John Tradescant the Younger. Ashmole donated most of his collection, his antiquarian library and priceless manuscripts to the University of Oxford to create the Ashmolean Museum.
DbPedia
Commemorated on 2 plaques
Near this site stood the Culstrubbe Gate of the City, one of four gates erected by Bishop Roger de Clinton (1129-1148). These buildings erected in 1849, now the Council Chamber and offices of the Lichfield Rural District Council, were formerly the 16th century Grammar School and Headmaster's House where many famous men including, Johnson, Garrick, Addison and Ashmole were educated.
The Old Grammar School, St John Street, Lichfield, United Kingdom where they attended school
Priests' Hall The Birthplace of Elias Ashmole, Windsor Herald to Charles II. Founder of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. Born 1617. Died 1692. Educated at Lichfield Grammar School.
St Mary's Chambers, Breadmarket St, Lichfield, United Kingdom where they was born (1617)