John Horsley (antiquarian) facts for kids
John Horsley (1685 – 12 January 1732) was a British historian. He was known for studying ancient things. His most famous book was Britannia Romana. It was about Roman history in Britain. This important book came out in 1732.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Horsley was born in 1685. Historians are not fully sure where he was born. Some believe he was born in Scotland. Others think he was from Newcastle-on-Tyne in England.
He went to the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle. Later, he studied at Edinburgh University. He earned his Master's degree there in 1701. By 1709, he was working as a Presbyterian minister in Morpeth.
Teacher and Scientist
John Horsley was a talented teacher. He opened a private school in Morpeth. Students of all religious backgrounds attended his school. He taught subjects like mechanics and hydrostatics. He gave lectures in Morpeth, Alnwick, and Newcastle.
He also studied rainfall. He shared his notes on rainfall in Widdrington with the Philosophical Transactions. This was a famous scientific journal. In 1730, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group for important scientists.
His Major Work: Britannia Romana
Horsley is best known for his book, Britannia Romana. The full title was The Roman Antiquities of Britain. It was published in 1732. This book was a huge achievement.
In Britannia Romana, Horsley did something new. He was the first to figure out which Roman legions were in Britain. Roman legions were large groups of soldiers. His work helped people understand Roman history in Britain much better.
Death
John Horsley died on 12 January 1732. He passed away from a sudden illness. His death happened just before his great book, Britannia Romana, was published. He was buried in Morpeth.
Family
John Horsley married Anne Hamilton. Her father was William Hamilton. He was a minister and later the Principal of Edinburgh University.
