William Lambarde facts for kids
William Lambarde (born October 18, 1536 – died August 19, 1601) was an important English antiquarian, a person who studies old things. He also wrote about law and was involved in politics.
People remember him for several key books:
- A Perambulation of Kent (1576): This was the very first history book written about an English county.
- Eirenarcha (1581): This book was a popular guide for Justices of the Peace, explaining their job and duties.
- Archeion (finished around 1591, published in 1635): This work explored the early roots of English law, government, and the King's special powers, tracing them back to the Anglo-Saxons.
Contents
William Lambarde's Early Life and Education
William Lambarde was born in London on October 18, 1536. His father, John Lambarde, was a successful cloth merchant, known as a draper. His father was also a leader in the Drapers' Company and served as an alderman and sheriff for London. The family lived in a large home called the Manor of Westcombe in Greenwich.
In 1556, William Lambarde began studying law at Lincoln's Inn, a famous legal school.
Lambarde's First Books and Maps
In 1568, with help from Laurence Nowell, Lambarde published a collection of Anglo-Saxon laws called Archaionomia. This book included a special map, often called "Lambardes map." It showed the seven kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. This map is believed to be the first map ever designed, printed, and published in England! It was likely created by Laurence Nowell.
In 1570, Lambarde finished his book Perambulation of Kent. This was the first history book about an English county. It became very popular and was printed again in 1596. Lambarde thought about writing similar books for all of Britain. However, he decided not to when he learned that William Camden was already working on a similar project.
On September 11, 1570, when Lambarde was 33, he married Jane Multon. She was 17. Sadly, she passed away in 1573. Lambarde lived in the Manor of St. Clere in Ightham. When Laurence Nowell died, Lambarde inherited his books and old writings. These might have included the famous manuscript of Beowulf.
Lambarde's Public Service and Later Life
William Lambarde likely served as a Member of Parliament for Aldborough between 1563 and 1567. He was also a senior member of Lincoln's Inn and a Justice of the Peace for Kent. This meant he helped keep law and order in the county.
In 1576, Lambarde founded an almshouse in East Greenwich. An almshouse is a place that provides housing for poor people. In 1597, he was appointed Keeper of the Rolls by the Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas Egerton, 1st Viscount Brackley. This was an important role in managing official records.
In 1601, Queen Elizabeth I made him Keeper of the Records in the Tower. This meant he was in charge of important historical documents kept in the Tower of London. He died on August 19, 1601.
William Lambarde's Important Writings
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Besides the books already mentioned, Lambarde wrote Eirenarcha: Or of the Office of the Justices of Peace in 1581. This book became the main guide for Justices of the Peace.
He also finished Archeion, or, A Discourse upon the High Courts of Justice in England by 1591. This was another very important book about law. Copies of the handwritten book were passed around. In 1635, a printer named Daniel Frere published a copy without permission. To fix mistakes in that version, Lambarde's grandson released an official edition in the same year.
Today, many of Lambarde's old papers and documents are kept at Drapers' Hall in London.
