John Aubrey (1626–97)

@john-aubrey.bsky.social

Sharing thoughts from the seventeenth century. Biographer, antiquarian, gossip. In 2026 we celebrate Aubrey's quatercentenary. Explore more via EMLO: tinyurl.com/5xbspp97 This account is run by Jack Avery for the Aubrey Correspondence project.

I have enquir’d after Robert, and it seems his Master has taken another servant, I believe much worse then himselfe, and the poore rogue is at present quite destitute of a service. Ent to Aubrey, 8 Oct 1664, Aubrey 12, f. 102r.

By G– said he you are infinitely more happy in this condition you are in, then if you had maryed J. S. (her name is not worth putting in words at length) you doe not know the Torments of Mezentius, of being maryed to a nastie carkesse. Aubrey to Dorothy Long, 4 Oct 1681, WSHC, 2493B/1/26/1.

I … sent to you again to desire you to speake to your neighbour the carriers wife, concerning the cloake that I left at London in their warehowse. She sent me a cloake but it is not mine & it is shorter a great deale. Aubrey to Wood, 2 Oct 1669, Ballard 14, f. 88r.

The newes of our Countrey is indeed of a Lady. Mistress Ann Beufoy (a virgin, which you have seene, though I know not how long since) hath conceived, & brought forth a Sonne. Bishop to Aubrey, 30 Sept 1655, Aubrey 12, f. 64r.

I herewith send you a few lines the Copie of what I lately had writ on that subject to a frind if you think it worth that Gentlemans view you may send it him or doe therewith as you shall think fit. Lodwick to Aubrey, 29 Sept 1676, Aubrey 12, f. 264r.

Sir you were pleased to Communicate me what your friend Mr pascal writ unto you concerning the universall Carracter in which he was pleased to take notice of that Essay of mine therein you sent him. Lodwick to Aubrey, 29 Sept 1676, Aubrey 12, f. 264r.

Since lately one Major Nicholls who was Surveyor of the Ordnaunce by patent is dead, and his place I have, and it requires constant attendance soe that I cannot wayt on Sir Ro: Henley and your selfe. Moore to Aubrey, 26 Sept 1669, Aubrey 12, f. 334r.

I shall bee very happy & willing to preserve continuall intelligence with so truly sincere & ingenious a friend, and that wee may exclud idle complements, I desire you to write what new discovery or experiment you shall chance to make or meet with in your studys Lydall to Aubrey 18 Sep 49, A12 204r

And am very sorry for the news of Mr Collins’s not being well. The good character you give him, I concur with you in it: And own the progress of Mathematick Learning to ow much to his Industry therein. Wallis to Aubrey, 17 Sep 1683, Aubrey 13, f. 243r.

I Received yours of September the 12th being at Peteworth giving my Acounts, Mr Seymour kept mee there A fortnight against my will and was very sory that I would not stay with him. Wiseman to Aubrey, 25 September 1670, Aubrey 13, f. 258r.

If you die; or, one knowes not some time or other as the World runns madding, your papers may be sifted ... I would entreat you to burne (or blott out) a passage in a letter of mine. about 1674, or 5, wherin I expressed my friendship to the church of Rome Aubrey to Wood 11 Sep 1676, Wood F 39, 302r