Barak Longmate facts for kids

Barak Longmate (born 1738 – died 23 July 1793) was an English expert in family histories (a genealogist). He was also a skilled engraver who created designs for coats of arms, and he published books.

About Barak Longmate

Early Life and Career

Barak Longmate was born in 1738 in St James's, Westminster, London. His parents were Barak and Elizabeth Longmate. He became known for his detailed engravings, especially those showing family coats of arms. This was a special type of carving on metal plates.

Longmate passed away on 23 July 1793 in Noel Street, Soho. He was buried a few days later at St Marylebone Parish Church. He had a son, also named Barak, with his wife Elizabeth, who died in 1781. After his death, his collection of books and family history papers were sold at an auction. The only known list of these items is kept at the British Library.

Important Works

Longmate published the fifth edition of a famous book called Collins' Peerage in 1779. This book listed the noble families of England. He also added a "Supplement" to it in 1784. He had even started gathering notes for a new edition before he died.

He also edited the Pocket Peerage of England, Scotland, and Ireland. This smaller book was first published in 1788 and then again in 1790. One of his most impressive works was a detailed family tree he engraved for a book about Irish history. He called this his masterpiece.

Teaching Others

Barak Longmate also taught others his skills. Two of his students who later became well-known engravers were William Sharp (1749–1824) and John Swaine (1775–1860).

His Son, Barak Longmate Jr.

Continuing the Family Business

Barak Longmate's son, also named Barak Longmate (born 1768 – died 25 February 1836), followed in his father's footsteps. He took over the family business and continued to edit the Pocket Peerage. He released a new edition of this book in 1813. However, another similar book called Debrett's Peerage became very popular, which affected the sales of his version.

Other Contributions

Barak Longmate Jr. was a talented draughtsman, meaning he was skilled at drawing plans and designs. He also knew a lot about heraldry (coats of arms). He often helped historians and antiquarians (people who study old things) with their research into local history.

Around 1801, he started making notes about churches in Gloucestershire. He hoped to publish a new part of a history book about that county. However, a fire at the printing office in 1808 stopped the project. His notes were then stored in a collection of historical papers.