Thomas Firminger Thiselton Dyer

“ BARTLETT, BENJAMIN (1714–1787) , numismatical and topographical writer, was of an old-established quaker family at Bradford, Yorkshire, where his father was an apothecary, having for his apprentice the afterwards celebrated Dr. Fothergill. At an early age Bartlett showed a great aptitude for antiquarian pursuits, and leaving Bradford, he removed to London, where he set up an apothecary's business for himself in Red Lion Street. This, however, he was eventually obliged to relinquish on account of failing health, resigning it to his partner, Mr. French. ”

“ These letters contain much curious correspondence between the ancestors of the Lockhart family and the confidential supporters of the Pretender, previous to and during the rebellions of 1715 and 1745, the publication of which was delayed for more than half a century, in order that every one concerned in it might be dead before it became public property. ”

“ BIGLAND, RALPH (1711–1784) , Garter king-of-arms, was born at Kendal in Westmoreland in 1711, his father being Richard Bigland, the descendant of an old family originally from Bigland in Lancashire. He was appointed head of the College of Arms in 1780, after passing through all the minor offices. He had been elected Bluemantle in 1757, Somerset and registrar 1763, Norroy king-of-arms May 1773, Clarenceux August 1774; but he enjoyed his elevation as Garter king-of-arms only a few years, dying 27 March 1784 at the age of seventy-three, in St. ”

“ BICKERSTAFF, WILLIAM (1728–1789) , antiquary, was born at Leicester 17 July 1728, where he was appointed undermaster of the Lower Free Grammar School 30 Jan. 1749-50. He took orders in December 1770, being successively curate at most of the churches at Leicester, and also at Great Wigston and Ayleston, two villages in the neighbourhood. He died suddenly at his lodgings in Leicester on 26 Jan. ”

“ Edmund's Hall, Oxford, in Easter term 1671, where, after taking his degree, he was made tutor, and subsequently appointed vice-principal. At Whitsuntide 1680 he took holy orders, and in 1683 was elected one of the masters of the schools. ”

“ Wood found from any one person was from Mr. Andrew Allam; this ingenious person helping him very much in the notitia of divers modern authors, whilst Mr. Wood was day and night drudging in those more ancient.’ Among his other chief contributions to literature may be mentioned the short biographical notice prefixed to Dr. Cosin's ‘Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ Politeis in tabulas digesta,’ Oxon. 1684, fol., and a preliminary account, with additions and corrections, of a work entitled ‘Some Plain Discourses on the Lord's Supper, &c., written by Dr. ”