Ashmole

Ashmole, ELIAS, antiquary, was born at Lichfield, 23d May 1617, and commencing the study of law when only sixteen, in 1638 became a solicitor. During the Great Rebellion he embraced the Royalist cause, and was appointed a captain of horse and comptroller of the Ordnance; but at the same time exhibited his love of study by entering Brazenose College, Oxford, where he sedulously applied himself to mathematics, natural philosophy, astronomy, astrology, and alchemy. In 1646 he became acquainted with Lilly and other famous astrologers; and in 1650 he edited a work of Dr Dee's, to which he subjoined a treatise of his own. In 1652 he issued his Theatrum Chymicum, and in 1672 his magnum opus, a History of the Order of the Garter. At the Restoration, various honours and emoluments were conferred upon him; and thenceforward he mainly devoted himself to heraldic and antiquarian studies. In 1682 he presented to the university of Oxford a fine collection of rarities, bequeathed him by his old friend Tradescant, and known as the Ashmolean Museum. He died 18th May 1692. Among his friends were Selden and Dugdale, whose daughter became his third wife. See his quaint Diary (1717).