Edward Kelley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edward Kelley
An 18th-century engraving of Edward Kelley
Born	1 August 1555 Worcester, England
Died	1597/8 (aged c. 42) Most, Bohemia

Sir Edward Kelley or Kelly, also known as Edward Talbot (born August 1, 1555 – died 1597/8), was an English person interested in magic and spirits during the Renaissance. He is most famous for working with John Dee on his magical studies.

Kelley said he could see spirits or angels in a special "shew-stone" (a crystal ball or mirror). John Dee thought this ability was very important. Kelley also claimed he knew the secret to turning ordinary metals into gold. This was the main goal of alchemy, an ancient practice similar to chemistry. He even said he had the legendary philosopher's stone, which could do this.

Stories about Kelley became popular soon after he died. His exciting life, his connections to Queen Elizabeth I's advisor John Dee, and his claims about alchemy and talking to angels made him quite famous among historians.

Edward Kelley's Life Story

Early Life and Beginnings

We don't know much about Edward Kelley's early life. He was born in Worcester, England, on August 1, 1555. John Dee, his future partner, even recorded the exact time of his birth in his diary. Kelley had a sister named Elizabeth and a brother named Thomas. Thomas later joined him in John Dee's home.

Some reports say Kelley studied at Oxford University using the name Talbot. Whether he went to university or not, Kelley was educated. He knew Latin and possibly some Greek when he met Dee.

There are also stories that Kelley was punished in Lancaster for forgery (making fake documents). Some accounts say his ears were cut off, a common punishment back then. He often wore a cap, which made people think he was hiding his ears. Other stories say he worked as an apprentice for a pharmacist or as a notary in London.

Working with John Dee in England

Kelley first met John Dee in 1582. Dee had been trying to talk to angels using a "scryer" (someone who looks into a crystal ball to see visions). But he hadn't found anyone successful until Kelley. Kelley said he could do it and impressed Dee right away. He became Dee's regular scryer or medium.

Dee and Kelley spent a lot of time on these "spiritual conferences." From 1582 to 1589, Kelley's life was closely linked to Dee's. During these seven years, they held many sessions. They prayed for knowledge, hoping that alchemy and angelic wisdom would help solve problems in the world. Dee also believed the angels had knowledge that would help England explore new lands.

Kelley married a woman named Jane Cooper. He helped raise her two children. His stepdaughter, Elizabeth Jane Weston, later called him a "kind stepfather."

About a year after joining Dee, Kelley claimed he found an old book and some red powder. He said a "spiritual creature" led him to them. With this powder, Kelley believed he could make a red "tincture" that would turn regular metals into gold. He reportedly showed this power a few times over the years.

Adventures with Dee in Europe

In 1583, Dee met Olbracht Łaski, a Polish nobleman interested in alchemy. In September of that year, Dee, Kelley, and their families left England with Łaski for Europe. Dee hoped to find support from powerful rulers like Emperor Rudolf II in Prague.

Dee and Kelley traveled a lot in Central Europe, continuing their spiritual meetings. Kelley seemed more interested in alchemy, while Dee wanted to talk to angels. Kelley was valuable because he was the only one who could understand and write down the angels' language. People close to Dee said there was often tension between the two men as they traveled.

Kelley and Dee's interest in magic eventually caught the attention of the Catholic Church. In 1587, they had to explain themselves to a church official. Dee handled the meeting well, but Kelley reportedly angered the official by criticizing priests.

In 1586, Kelley and Dee found support from a rich Bohemian lord named William of Rosenberg. He was also interested in alchemy and joined some of their spiritual sessions. Kelley and Dee settled in the town of Třeboň and continued their work. Dee's diary says Kelley performed his first alchemical change there in December 1586. Kelley's drawings in Dee's notes show his early dedication to their shared goal.

However, Kelley soon wanted to stop the sessions. Dee insisted they continue. Kelley left Dee in Třeboň in 1589, possibly to join the emperor's court. Dee then returned to England. They never saw each other again.

Rise to Fame and Imprisonment

By 1590, Kelley was living a very rich lifestyle in Europe. He received estates and large sums of money from Lord Rosenberg. He kept doing his alchemy experiments until he convinced Emperor Rudolf II that he was ready to make gold. Rudolf made him a knight, Sir Edward Kelley, in 1590.

In May 1591, Rudolf had Kelley arrested and put in Křivoklát Castle near Prague. This was supposedly for killing an official in a duel. But it's also possible Rudolf didn't want Kelley to escape before he actually produced any gold.

In 1595, Kelley agreed to work on alchemy again. He was released and given back his old status. But when he failed to make gold, he was imprisoned again, this time in Hněvín Castle. His wife and stepdaughter tried to get him freed. However, he died in prison in late 1597 or early 1598 from injuries he got while trying to escape. Some accounts say he poisoned himself.

A few of Kelley's writings still exist today. These include two alchemy books written in verse and three other books he dedicated to Rudolf II from prison.

The Angelic Language: "Enochian"

Kelley said that angels spoke to him in a special language called 'Angelical', which is now known as Enochian. He then told Dee what the angels said. Some modern experts believe Kelley actually invented this language. They wonder if Dee was tricked or if he was part of the plan.

Kelley explained that he saw and heard the angels speaking this language by looking into a crystal ball or mirror. He also said the angels communicated by tapping out letters on a special tablet. The English translations, according to Kelley, appeared on small strips of paper coming out of the angels' mouths.

John Dee thought the Angelical language was very important for three reasons. First, he believed it proved that Kelley was truly speaking with angels and not just imagining things. Second, the angels claimed their language was the original language God spoke to Adam, making it the first human language. Third, the Angelical messages were like spells that could summon powerful angels. These angels would then reveal many secrets, including how to find the philosopher's stone, gain great wisdom, and live forever.

Images for kids

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  An 18th-century engraving of Edward Kelley