Richard Butcher (antiquary) facts for kids

Richard Butcher (born in 1586 or 1587, died in 1664) was an English antiquary. An antiquary is someone who studies old things, like ancient objects, historical records, and old customs. They are like history detectives!

Richard Butcher's Life

Richard Butcher was born in a town called Stamford, Lincolnshire, in England. He lived there for most of his life. He became the town clerk of Stamford. A town clerk is an important official who keeps records for the town, like meeting minutes, laws, and other important documents.

His Work as an Antiquary

Butcher was very interested in the history of his hometown. He wrote a book called The Survey and Antiquitie of the Towne of Stamforde, in the county of Lincolne. This book was published in London in 1646. It was a detailed study of Stamford's history and old buildings. It was so popular that it was printed again in 1717. Later, another historian, Francis Peck, added more information to it in 1727.

Butcher also created a two-volume handwritten book called Antiquity revived. This special book is kept safe at the library of St John's College, Cambridge. It was a translation of a work by another famous antiquary named William Camden.

In 1648, when Richard Butcher was 61 years old, an artist named Clamp made an engraving of his portrait.

His Family and Later Life

Richard Butcher was married to a woman named Dorothy. They had several children together. One of their sons, Robert, went to St John's College, Cambridge, when he was 17 years old in 1653. Robert later became a priest in 1663.

Richard Butcher passed away in 1664. He was buried in September at All Saints' Church, Stamford, in his hometown.