Richard Blyke facts for kids

Richard Blyke was an important English official and a historian who studied old things (called an antiquary). He lived in the 1700s and was known for his work in government and for writing about history. He passed away in 1775.

Richard Blyke's Life and Career

Early Years and Government Work

Richard Blyke was born in Hereford, England. His father, Theophilus Blyke, worked for the government as a deputy secretary-at-war. This meant his father helped manage the army's paperwork and operations.

Richard followed in his father's footsteps and also worked for the government. He became a deputy-auditor for the "office of the Imprest." This office was in charge of checking government accounts and making sure money was spent correctly.

His Important Memberships

Richard Blyke was also a member of two very important groups. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for top scientists and thinkers. He was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This group is for people who study history, old buildings, and ancient objects.

He helped a special committee prepare the Rolls of Parliament for printing. The Rolls of Parliament are old records of laws and decisions made by the English Parliament.

His Final Years

Richard Blyke died in 1775. He was buried in the churchyard of Isleworth, which is in Middlesex, England.

Richard Blyke's Writings and Collections

Richard Blyke was not just a government official; he was also a dedicated writer and collector of historical information.

Edited Books

He worked with another person named John Topham to edit a book. This book was called Reports of Determinations on Contested Elections (published in 1775). It contained records of decisions made about elections where the results were argued over.

Historical Collections

Blyke also created his own huge collection of historical notes. He gathered 22 volumes of handwritten information for a history book about Herefordshire. This was a "topographical history," meaning it described the places, land, and important sites in Herefordshire.

After he died, his library was sold. A nobleman named Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk bought these valuable 22 volumes of notes.