Camden, William

William Camden (1551-1623), antiquary and historian, was born at the Old Bailey, London, on 2 May 1551. He was educated at Christ's Hospital, St Paul's School and Oxford University. After a period travelling the country collecting archaeological material, Camden became usher of Westminster School in 1575, and headmaster in 1593. He continued his antiquarian tours during the school vacations. Although he was a layman, Camden was prebendary of Salisbury, 1589-1623. He was also Clarenceux king of arms, 1597-1623. His major work, Britannia, was first published in 1586. Camden died at Chislehurst, near London, on 9 November 1623.

From the guide to the William Camden: Historical armorial of England, c. 1600, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)

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