John Elliot (antiquary) facts for kids
John Elliot (1725–1782) was an English lawyer who loved studying old things. People who study history and old objects are called antiquaries. John Elliot was one of them!
A Look at John Elliot's Life
John Elliot was born in 1725 in a town called Lewes, England. His father, Obadiah Elliot, owned a brewery. John went to Lewes Grammar School when he was young. After school, he trained to become a lawyer. He worked hard and became a successful lawyer.
Even though he was busy with his law practice, John Elliot loved history. He often wrote letters to other people who shared his interest in old things. He corresponded with historians like William Burrell and John Watson. He even shared information with John Watson for his book about the Ancient Earls of Warren and Surrey.
In 1780, John Elliot became a member of the important Society of Antiquaries. This group is dedicated to studying the past. He passed away suddenly in London in 1782 when he was 57 years old.
John Elliot's Historical Legacy
John Elliot spent a lot of time collecting old notes and documents about Lewes and the area of Sussex. These handwritten collections were very important. When he died, he left them to his friend, William Burrell. Later, these valuable papers, along with Burrell's own collections, became part of the British Museum. This means his work is still available for people to study today!
John Elliot also had a large library filled with old books about history. He kept these books at his office in London. He asked for his library to be sold after he died. Even though he never published any books himself, his notes and collections helped other historians.
