John Bargrave facts for kids
John Bargrave (born 1610, died 11 May 1680) was an English writer and collector. He also held an important position as a canon at Canterbury Cathedral. He was known for his travels and his interesting collection of items from around the world.
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John Bargrave's Early Life
John Bargrave was born in Kent, England, in 1610. His father, also named John Bargrave, was a captain who had fought in a war against Spain. After the war, his father settled in a village called Bridge to raise his family.
The Bargrave family was becoming well-known and respected in the area. John's mother was Jane Crouch, whose father, Giles Crouch, was a successful merchant from London. He later built a large family home called Bifrons nearby. John Bargrave was also the nephew of Isaac Bargrave, who was the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral.
His Education and Challenges
John Bargrave first went to school at The King's School, Canterbury. Later, he studied at St. Peter's College at Cambridge University. He became the librarian there and then a fellow of the college in 1637.
His uncle Isaac was a strong supporter of the king during the English Civil War. When the war began in 1642, Isaac was put in prison. He was released the next year but sadly died soon after. Because of his uncle's royalist views, John Bargrave lost his position at the college.
Travels Across Europe
After losing his college position, Bargrave spent most of his time traveling. He explored many parts of Europe. In 1646 and 1647, he was in Italy with his nephew, John Raymond. Raymond wrote a travel guide, and people believe Bargrave helped him a lot with it.
Bargrave visited Rome several times, including in 1650, 1655, and 1659–60. He watched closely as the Pope was chosen in 1655, even though he wasn't officially involved. He saw firsthand how powerful the Roman Inquisition was. He also learned about the daily life and events of the Pope's court in Rome, including its leaders and any big news or scandals.
Later Life and Important Mission
After the king was restored to power in England in 1660, John Bargrave received several new church positions in Kent. In 1662, he became a canon of Canterbury Cathedral.
Soon after this promotion, he went on a dangerous trip with Archdeacon Selleck. Their mission was to rescue English prisoners held in Algiers. Bishops and clergy had raised ten thousand pounds to pay for their freedom. Bargrave successfully completed this important mission. He then spent the rest of his life at home in Canterbury. He passed away on May 11, 1680. In 1665, Bargrave married Frances Osborne, who had many important connections.
His Written Work and Collection
John Bargrave's main written work is a fascinating book called "Pope Alexander the Seventh and the College of Cardinals". He wrote it in 1660 while he was in Rome, but he didn't plan to publish it at first.
The book combines parts from three Italian publications with his own observations. It was originally meant to describe a collection of portraits of the Pope and cardinals. In 1867, James Craigie Robertson edited Bargrave's work for the Camden Society. This edition included a biography of Bargrave and a list of all the interesting items he collected during his travels.
Bargrave's amazing cabinet of curiosities still exists today. It is kept in the Canterbury Cathedral Library. This collection includes his riding boots and a small painting of him with his young travel companions, Raymond and Alexander Chapman.
