Robert Hare (antiquary) facts for kids
Robert Hare, who passed away in 1611, was an important English official and historian. He loved studying old things and was a kind supporter of University of Cambridge. He spent much of his life collecting and writing down the history and rules of the university and the town of Cambridge.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Hare was the second of three sons. His father was Sir Nicholas Hare. Robert started studying at Gonville Hall, Cambridge in 1545. After leaving Cambridge, he went on to study law at the Inner Temple in London in 1548.
Working for the Government
Robert Hare had several important jobs. In 1555, he was one of the gentlemen who helped carry the banners at the funeral of Anne of Cleves, a former queen. Later, in 1558, he worked for a powerful nobleman named William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester.
In 1560, Robert Hare got a job as a "clerk of the pells." This meant he was a record keeper for the government, dealing with money and accounts. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Dunwich in 1563. He left his clerk job around 1571.
Later Years and Contributions
Robert Hare spent most of his later life focused on the history and rules of Cambridge University. He worked hard to gather and write down important documents about the university and the town.
He faced some challenges because of his religion, as he was a Catholic during a time when it was difficult to practice that faith in England. In 1601, the university even wrote a letter to Sir Robert Cecil, a powerful government official, asking him to make sure Robert Hare could continue his important work, especially on improving roads.
Robert Hare's brother, Michael, passed away in 1611 without children. This meant Robert inherited his brother's estate. However, Robert himself died shortly after, on November 2, 1611. He was buried in Old St Paul's Cathedral in London. Sadly, his grave was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Today, his name is on a modern monument that lists important people whose graves were lost in the fire.
Robert Hare's Gifts and Legacy
Robert Hare was very generous, especially to Cambridge University. He gave many valuable books and manuscripts to different colleges and libraries.
Gifts to Cambridge University
- In 1568, he gave Caius College, Cambridge a special book about Winchester Cathedral and the beginnings of Cambridge University.
- He also gave two rare old manuscripts to the university's main library.
- In 1594, he gave the university a book about its special rights and rules, written by Thomas Marhaunt.
Other Important Gifts
- He gave a manuscript to the library of St Paul's Cathedral.
- He donated books to the library of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, including a history book by Thomas de Elmham.
- He also gave money to help fix the roads around Cambridge.
- It is believed he also helped Great St. Mary's Church, Cambridge, because his family's coat of arms was placed over its south door.
His Written Works
Robert Hare wrote many important works, which were kept as manuscripts (handwritten books). These works mostly focused on history and the rules of universities.
- A Treatise on Military Discipline, and Rules to be observed in Time of War (1556)
- Registrum novum Monimentorum Universitatis Cantabrigiensis: A two-volume collection of documents about Cambridge University's rights, rules, and history, from King John's time to 1589.
- Liber Privilegiorum Libertatum aliorumque rescriptorum negotia almæ Universitatis Cantabrigiensis concernentium: Another three-volume collection of documents about Cambridge University's rights and freedoms.
- Liber Privilegiorum et Libertatum almæ Universitatis Cantabrigiensis (2 volumes)
- Liber diversorum negotiorum . . . Universitatis Cantabrigiensis ... ad annum 1588
- Liber Privilegiorum et Libertatum necnon aliarum rerum memorabilium Villam sive Burgum Cantabr. concernentium
- Liber Privilegiorum Acad. Oxon. and Liber Memorabilium Acad. Oxon.: Collections about Oxford University.
- Collectanea de academia et villa Cantabrigiæ: Collections about Cambridge University and town.
- Collectanea de academia et villa Oxoniæ: Collections about Oxford University and town.
- Miscellaneæ Collectiones (2 volumes)
- Magnus Annulus: A very long parchment scroll (about 12 feet long!) with a table of dates for Easter and other notes from 1286 to 1817.
