Thomas Faulkner (topographer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas Faulkner
Thomas Faulkner by J. Holmes (Courtesy Nypl)
Born	Thomas Faulkner 1777 London
Died	1855 Chelsea
Occupation	Topographer, writer, stationer and bookseller
Known for	'An Historical and Topographical Account of Chelsea and its Environs'. etc.

Thomas Faulkner (1777–1855) was an English bookseller and a writer who studied and described places in West London. He is famous for three main books. These books became important guides for the areas of Chelsea, Fulham, and Kensington in the 1800s. Faulkner was also a member of a French group called the Society of Antiquaries of Normandy.

Who Was Thomas Faulkner?

Thomas Faulkner was born in 1777 in London. His family worked in the building business. But Thomas decided to do something different. For many years, he ran a small shop. He sold books and writing supplies. His shop was on Paradise Row, near Chelsea Hospital.

Learning and Languages

Thomas didn't go to school much. But he taught himself a lot. This means he was an autodidact. He learned enough French and Spanish to work as a translator. He passed away in Chelsea in 1855. He was 78 years old.

Thomas Faulkner's Books

Thomas Faulkner started his writing career in 1797. He wrote articles for a magazine called Gentleman's Magazine. He kept writing for them for over 50 years. He also wrote for the New Monthly Magazine.

Early Works

In 1805, he published a short book about Chelsea Hospital. Then, in 1810, he released his first major work. It was called 'An Historical and Topographical Account of Chelsea and its Environs'. This book also included stories about famous people who lived in Chelsea. He dedicated this book to Brownlow North, who was the Bishop of Winchester. People say a local schoolmaster helped him write it. A second, bigger edition of this book came out in 1829.

Major Local Histories

In 1813, Faulkner published another important book. It was about the area of Fulham, including Hammersmith. He dedicated this book to John Randolph, who was the Bishop of London at the time.

In 1820, he wrote 'History and Antiquities of Kensington'. This book also shared stories about royal and important people. It even had a list of pictures in Kensington Palace. This list was made by a famous artist named Benjamin West. Faulkner dedicated this book to King George IV.

Later Publications

In 1839, Faulkner published his 'History and Antiquities of Hammersmith'. He dedicated this book to Queen Victoria. Six years later, in 1845, he wrote about Brentford, Chiswick, and Ealing. Both of these later books included stories about important local people. A magazine called Gentleman's Magazine listed all of Faulkner's works when he died in 1855.