Miles Gale facts for kids

Miles Gale (1647–1721) was an English antiquary. An antiquary is someone who studies old things like ancient objects, buildings, or writings. They learn about history by looking at these old items.

Miles Gale was born in a place called Farnley Hall on June 19, 1647. His father, John Gale, came from a family in Scruton and Masham, Yorkshire. John Gale had served as a soldier in the Low Countries (which are parts of modern-day Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Later, he lived a quiet life at his home in Farnley. When the English Civil War began, he chose not to join the parliament's army. Miles's mother was Joanna Dodson.

Miles's Education and Work

Miles Gale went to Trinity College, Cambridge for his education. He earned his first degree in 1666 and a master's degree in 1670.

After finishing his studies, Miles became a priest. In 1680, he became the rector (which is like a head priest) of Keighley. He stayed in this important role until he passed away in January 1721.

His Love for History

Miles Gale was very interested in history and old things. He was friends with Henry Gyles, a famous artist who painted on glass in York.

Miles spent a lot of time researching and writing about history. He created two special handwritten books, called manuscripts, and gave them to Thoresby's Museum in Leeds.

Miles's Manuscripts

• Memoirs of the Family of Gale: This book was written in 1703. It told the story of his own family, including his relative Dr. Thomas Gale, who was a dean in York, and Christopher Gale, who became an important lawyer in North Carolina.
• A Description of the Parish of Keighley: This manuscript described the area where Miles worked as a rector, giving details about the parish of Keighley.

Miles's Family Life

Miles Gale married Margaret Stones. Her father, Christopher Stones, was an important church official in York. Miles and Margaret had five children: four sons and one daughter.

Their oldest son was also named Christopher Gale. He moved to America and became a very important person there. In 1703, he was the Attorney-General of North Carolina, which means he was the chief lawyer for the government. Later, he became a judge in North Carolina and then the chief judge of the Bahama Islands in 1721.