Sampson Erdeswicke facts for kids

Sampson Erdeswicke (born around 1535-1540; died 1603) was an English antiquary and mapmaker. An antiquary is someone who studies old things, like history and ancient objects. A chorographer makes maps and describes regions. He is best known for his detailed book about the history of Staffordshire, a county in England.

Who Was Sampson Erdeswicke?

Sampson's family, the Erdeswickes, were very old and important. They believed they were related to Richard de Vernon, a powerful lord from the time of William the Conqueror. The family first lived in Cheshire, then moved to Leighton, and finally settled in Sandon in Staffordshire during the 1300s. Their home was Sandon Hall.

Sampson's father, Hugh Erdeswicke, was a strong Catholic. In those days, being a Catholic in England could be difficult. In 1582, he was even reported to the Privy Council, a group of royal advisors, for his strong Catholic beliefs.

Sampson's Life and Studies

Sampson was born in Sandon. In 1553, he went to Brasenose College, Oxford as a student. After leaving Oxford, he lived as a country gentleman. Like his father, Sampson was a recusant, meaning he refused to attend Church of England services.

He spent his time studying history and old things. He was especially interested in writing a history of his home county, Staffordshire. This book, called Survey of Staffordshire, is what he is most remembered for today.

The Staffordshire Survey

Sampson's Survey of Staffordshire was not printed and published while he was alive. Instead, copies of his handwritten book were passed around. Many people knew about it even before it was officially published much later.

There is some mystery about his original handwritten book. The many copies that exist are all a bit different from each other. People like William Salt and Thomas Harwood later published versions of his Survey.

Other Writings and Helpers

Sampson also wrote other things that were not published. Some of his old papers are kept in the British Library and the College of Arms. He had a young helper named William Wyrley, whom he had taught. William Wyrley later published his own writings.

One of William Wyrley's books, The True Use of Armorie, was claimed by Sampson Erdeswicke as his own work. However, some people, like William Dugdale, said that Sampson had given William Wyrley permission to publish it under his own name.

I was assured by Mr. William Burton of Lindley in Leicestershire that Mr. Erdswike did to him acknowledge, he was the Author of that Discourse, though he gave leave to Mr. Wyrley (who had been bred up under him) to publish it in his own name. This Mr. Erdswike from publick Records and antient Evidences compiled a brief, but elaborate work, of the Antiquities of Staffordshire, as yet not made publick by the press, which is now in the hands of an eminent and learned Gentleman of that County, Walter Chetwind Esq."

Other historians, like William Camden, praised Sampson's knowledge and hard work. It is thought that he was chosen to be a member of the Elizabethan Society of Antiquaries, a group of scholars who studied history.

Death and Memorial

Sampson Erdeswicke died in 1603. He is buried in Sandon church, where many of his ancestors are also laid to rest. His grave has a very large and colorful monument. On it, there is a statue of him lying down, with two kneeling statues of his wives above. The monument is decorated with many family symbols and coats of arms.

Sampson Erdeswicke's Family

Sampson's memorial inscription, written in 1601, tells us about his family.

First Marriage

His first wife was Elizabeth Dixwell. She was one of three daughters of Humphrey Dixwell of Church Waver in Warwickshire. Sampson and Elizabeth had five daughters:

• Margaret
• Helen, who married Thomas Coyne
• Elizabeth
• Maria
• Margery

Second Marriage

His second wife was Mary Neale. They married on April 24, 1593. Mary was from Leicestershire. She had been married before to Everard Digby and had 14 children with him. One of her sons from her first marriage was Everard Digby, who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot and was executed in 1606.

Sampson and Mary had three children together:

• Richard (1594-1640), who became a Member of Parliament. He married Anne Orwell.
• Matthew, who married Alice Johnson.
• Joan