Philpot, John

, Somerset herald in the reign of James I. was a native of Folkstone, in Kent, and descended from an ancient and reputable family, long seated in that county. From his infancy he had a taste for heraldry and antiquities. He was respected by Camden, who employed him much as his deputy or marshal in his visitations. In 1636 he published a catalogue of the chancellors of England; and in 1657 an edition of Camden’s “Remains,” with additions. When the civil war broke out, he adhered, amidst all dangers, to the royal cause. In 1643, the university of Oxford conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. In the following year he fell into the hands of his enemies, being surprised whilst in his quarters, at a village about two miles from Oxford, by some of the parliamentary forces, who sent him up to London a prisoner; but he soon obtained his liberty. It was the king’s intention to have rewarded his loyalty by the place of Norroy, but he died prematurely, in London, according to Wood, or near Eltham, in Kent, as Hasted says, Nov. 25, 1645.

His eldest son, Thomas Philipott, or Philpot, M. A. was educated at Clare-hall, and published the “Villare Cantianum,” London, 1659, folio; a book which is written in an affected style, yet is a very valuable performance, as | an early history of property, and continues to be highly and justly prized. Though the son takes the credit, there can be little doubt but that much of it was written by the father. The, son, however, was a man of good abilities, a tolerable poet, and well versed in divinity and antiquities. He published a whimsical, mystical, heraldic book, entitled “A brief Historical Discourse of the original and growth of Heraldry, demonstrating upon what rational foundations that noble and heroic science is established,” London, 1672, 8vo, dedicated to John earl of Bridgewater. There are some verses of his prefixed to the “Monasticon Favershamiensis,” 1671, 12mo; also an appendix to it by him of the descent of king Stephen. The book was written by his friend Thomas Southouse, of Gray’s Inn, esq. His*' Poems,“Lond. 1646, vo, is a volume of rare occurrence. The elder Ptiilipot is supposed to have been the author of” The Citie’s great concern in this case, or question of Honour and Arms, whether Apprenticeship extinguisheth Gentry? discoursed; with a clear refutation of the pernicious error that it doth,“1674, 12mo. Another production of John Philipot was,” A perfect Collection or Catalogue of all Knights Bachelours made by king James,“&c. 1660, 8vo. Mr. Lysons gives an extract from the parish register of Greenwich, which has been supposed to relate to him:” Mr. Thomas Philipott, buried September 30, 1682;“adding,” that besides the above works, he wrote on the origin and growth of the Spanish Monarchy, and a Life of jsop," and remarking, that Anthony Wood attributes to him some theological works; but Mr. Lysons thinks it is more probable that they were the production of his contemporary, Thomas Philipott, D. D. rector of Turveston and Akeley, Bucks. Wood places his death in 1684-. ¹