Edward Waterhouse (FRS) facts for kids

Edward Waterhouse (1619–1670) was an English writer and church official. He was known for his books about heraldry (the study of coats of arms) and other important topics of his time.

Edward Waterhouse, from a portrait painted in 1663

Edward Waterhouse: A Life of Learning

Edward Waterhouse was born in 1619 in a place called Greenford, Middlesex, England. His father was Francis Waterhouse. Edward had a famous great-uncle, Sir Edward Waterhouse, who was also a well-known person.

His Early Life and Studies

In 1635, Edward started studying at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university. Later, in 1668, he earned a special law degree called a Legum Doctor (LLD). This degree was given to him by royal permission.

During a time when England didn't have a king (called the Commonwealth), Edward lived in Oxford. He spent several years there, studying and reading many books at the Bodleian Library. This library is one of the oldest and most famous libraries in the world. By 1660, he was living in Sion College in London.

Becoming a Writer and Scholar

Edward Waterhouse became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1663. The Royal Society is a very old and respected group of scientists and thinkers. Later, in 1668, he became a church official, or "preacher," with help from Gilbert Sheldon, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Edward Waterhouse passed away on May 30, 1670, at his home in Mile End Green. He was buried on June 2 in Greenford, where his family owned land.

What Books Did He Write?

Edward Waterhouse wrote several interesting books during his lifetime. Here are some of them:

• A humble Apologie for Learning and Learned Men (1653): This book was a defense of learning and educated people.
• Two Brief Meditations (1653): This book contained two short reflections. One was about being brave when facing difficulties, and the other was about knowing God.
• A modest Discourse of the Piety, Charity, and Policy of Elder Times and Christians (1655): In this work, he discussed the good qualities of people from older times and compared them to Christians in the Church of England.
• A Discours and Defense of Arms and Armory (1660): This book explained the meaning and use of coats of arms and honor in England. It looked at how they were used in war, at court, and in cities, including universities.
• The Sphere of Gentry (1661): This was a large book about coats of arms and family histories. It was published under another name, but many believed Edward Waterhouse wrote it.
• Fortescutus Illustratus (1663): This book was a detailed explanation of a famous law book written by Sir John Fortescue, who was a lord chancellor to King Henry VI.
• The Gentlemans Monitor (1665): This book was a guide for gentlemen. It looked at good qualities and bad habits, and how families become successful or fail. He also wrote an apology and advice for the nobles and gentry of England.
• A Short Narrative of the late dreadful Fire in London (1667): This was an anonymous (meaning he didn't put his name on it) account of the terrible Great Fire of London that happened in 1666. It also included thoughts about the fire.

He also wrote "Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Waterhouse" for a book called State Worthies in 1670.

His Family Life

Edward Waterhouse was married twice. His first wife was Mary Smith. His second wife was Elizabeth Bateman. Elizabeth passed away before him. They had one son, also named Edward, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Bridget. Only his daughters were still alive when he passed away.