John Aubrey

John Aubrey Biography

John Aubrey (March 12, 1626 – June 1697) was an English antiquary, natural philosopher, and writer, celebrated for his meticulous documentation of England's historical monuments and his biographical work, Brief Lives. Born in Easton Piercy, Wiltshire, Aubrey was the son of a wealthy landowner. He received his early education at the Malmesbury grammar school and later attended Trinity College, Oxford, where he developed a profound interest in antiquities and the emerging scientific inquiries of his time.

Aubrey's passion for archaeology led him to conduct some of the earliest recorded studies of England's prehistoric sites. He is particularly noted for his examination of the Avebury henge monument and the stone circles at Stonehenge, where the "Aubrey holes"—a series of pits—are named after him. His observations and sketches provided invaluable insights into these ancient structures, laying the groundwork for future archaeological methodologies.

In addition to his archaeological pursuits, Aubrey is renowned for his biographical collection, Brief Lives, which offers intimate and candid portraits of notable figures of his era, including William Shakespeare, Thomas Hobbes, and Sir Walter Raleigh. Compiled from firsthand accounts and personal anecdotes, Aubrey's Brief Lives is esteemed for its vivid storytelling and attention to detail, providing a unique window into the lives of 17th-century luminaries.

Throughout his life, Aubrey was associated with prominent intellectuals and was a member of the Royal Society, reflecting his engagement with the scientific and philosophical discourses of the period. Despite facing financial difficulties and personal challenges, he remained dedicated to his scholarly endeavors until his death in June 1697 in Oxford.

Trivia About John Aubrey

• Aubrey is credited with coining the term "chronomancer" to describe someone who studies time and historical chronology.
• He had a keen interest in folklore and collected numerous local legends and superstitions, contributing to the preservation of England's oral traditions.
• Aubrey's meticulous surveys of ancient sites were often conducted on foot, showcasing his dedication to field research.
• Despite his extensive contributions, many of Aubrey's works were published posthumously, gaining recognition only after his death.

Famous Quotes by John Aubrey

• "A life is a short history in which minute details about a famous person should be gratefully recorded."
• "The antiquary is not a man of mere words, but of things, and his writings are the records of time."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was John Aubrey?

John Aubrey was a 17th-century English antiquary, natural philosopher, and writer, best known for his pioneering archaeological studies and his biographical collection, Brief Lives.

What are the 'Aubrey holes' at Stonehenge?

The 'Aubrey holes' are a series of circular pits at Stonehenge, named after John Aubrey, who first recorded them in the 17th century. Their exact purpose remains a subject of archaeological interest.

What is 'Brief Lives'?

Brief Lives is a collection of short biographies written by John Aubrey, offering intimate and candid portraits of notable figures from the 17th century, based on firsthand accounts and personal anecdotes.

Related Literary Movements

John Aubrey's work is associated with the early development of biographical writing and antiquarian studies in England. His meticulous documentation and narrative style influenced subsequent generations of biographers and historians, contributing to the evolution of life-writing as a literary genre.

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