Robert Atkyns (topographer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Atkyns
Effigy of Atkyns in St Kenelm's Church, Sapperton
Born	1647
Died	1711  (aged 63–64)
Occupation	Politician

Sir Robert Atkyns (born 1647, died 1711) was an important person in England. He was a topographer, which means he studied and described places. He was also an antiquary, someone who studies old things and history. On top of that, he was a Member of Parliament, helping to make laws for the country.

Sir Robert Atkyns is most famous for his big book, The Ancient and Present State of Glostershire. This book was a detailed history of the county of Gloucestershire. It was published in 1712, after he had passed away.

Early Life and Education

Sir Robert Atkyns was born in 1647. He was baptized on August 26 of that year. He was the oldest son of another important man, also named Sir Robert Atkyns. His father was a judge, the chief baron of the Exchequer, and even served as speaker of the House of Lords.

His family had a long history. An ancestor named Thomas Atkyns lived in London and died in 1401. Four generations later, David Atkins became a successful merchant in Chepstow. He later moved to Tuffley, near Gloucester, before he died in 1552. Tuffley was the family home until 1660. That year, his father bought a new family estate in Sapperton, Gloucestershire.

Robert Atkyns went to St Edmund Hall, Oxford in 1663 to study. He also studied law at Lincoln's Inn starting in 1661. He became a lawyer in 1668, but he did not work as one.

Political Career

Sir Robert Atkyns held several important jobs in the government. From 1671 to 1672, he was the Deputy Receiver-General of Law Duties. This role involved helping to collect money for legal fees. He then became the Receiver-General from 1672 to 1673, taking on more responsibility for collecting these funds.

From 1673 to 1679, he worked as a Comptroller. He also served as a Commissioner for Assessment in Gloucestershire. This meant he helped decide how much tax people in Gloucestershire should pay. He did this from 1673 to 1680 and again from 1689 to 1690. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire from 1683 to 1688. This role involved helping to keep order and organize the local military.

King Charles II honored him by making him a knight on September 5, 1663. This happened when the King visited Bristol.

Atkyns was elected as a Member of Parliament for the town of Cirencester from 1679 to 1685. After that, he represented the larger county of Gloucester in Parliament from 1685 to 1689.

Honors and Achievements

In November 1664, Sir Robert Atkyns was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor given to people who have made important discoveries or contributions in science.

Family and Later Life

Around 1674, Sir Robert Atkyns married Louise-Margaret, also known as Louisonne. She was the daughter of Sir George Carteret from Hawnes, Bedfordshire.

Sir Robert Atkyns passed away on November 29, 1711. He was 65 years old and died from dysentery at his home in Westminster. He was buried in Sapperton, where his family had their estate. There is a special monument there to remember him.

See also

• Samuel Rudder