Robert Bigsby facts for kids
Robert Bigsby (born April 11, 1806 – died September 27, 1873) was an English historian and writer. He loved studying old things and history, which is what an antiquarian does.
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Early Life and a Special Hobby
Robert Bigsby was born in 1806 in a place called Castle Gate, in Nottingham, England. His father was also named Robert Bigsby. Robert went to school at Repton School. He first thought about becoming a lawyer.
However, Robert became very interested in history, especially old objects. He particularly enjoyed collecting items that belonged to Sir Francis Drake. Drake was a very famous sailor and explorer from the Elizabethan era, a time when Queen Elizabeth I ruled England.
Drake's Treasures
Robert Bigsby had a very special item: Sir Francis Drake's astrolabe. An astrolabe was an old tool used by sailors to find their way by looking at the stars. In 1831, Robert gave this important astrolabe to King William IV. The King then gave it to Greenwich Hospital.
Robert also gave other items that belonged to Drake to the British Museum. These gifts helped preserve important pieces of history for everyone to see.
A Life of Learning and Writing
Robert Bigsby was recognized for his knowledge and work. He became a member of several important groups that studied history and literature. He was voted a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, which is a group for people who study old things. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a very old and respected group for scientists and thinkers.
Bigsby was a very busy writer. He wrote poems and plays, but most of his books were about history and old objects. He published sixteen books and many articles in different magazines.
In 1851, he was also chosen to be a member of the American Antiquarian Society. This shows that his work was known and respected even in other countries.
Later Years
Robert Bigsby passed away on September 27, 1873, in Peckham Rye, when he was 67 years old. He left behind a legacy of historical research and writing.
