John Blagrave

, the second Son of John Blagrave of Bulmarsh Court, near to Sonnyng in Berkshire, by Ann his Wife Daughter of Sir Auth. Hungerford of Downe-Ampney in Gloucestershire Knight, was born in Berks. educated in School-learning at Reading, in Philosophical among the Oxonians, particularly, as it seems, in St. John’s coll. about the time of its first Foundation. But leaving Oxon without the honour of a degree, retired to his Patrimony which was at Southcote Lodge in the Parish of S. Mary at Reading, and prosecuted with great Zeal his Mathematical Genie to so considerable an height, that he was esteemed the flower of Mathematicians of his age. He hath written and published these books following.

A mathematical Jewel, shewing the making and most excellent use of an Instrument so called: the use of which Jewel, is so aboundant, that it leadeth the direct pathway through the whole art of Astronomy, Cosmography, Geography, &c. Lond. 1585. fol.

Of the making and use of the Familier Staff so called, as well for that it may be made usually and familiarly to walk with, as for that it performeth the Geometrical mensurations of all altitudes, &c. Lond. 1590. qu.

Astrolabium Vranicum generale. A necessary and pleasant Solace and Recreation for Navigators in their long journeying, containing the use of an Instrument or general Astrolabe, &c. compiled 1596.—Printed in qu.

The Art of Dyalling in two parts. The first shewing plainly, &c. Lond. 1609. qu. with other things as ’tis probable which I have not yet seen. This worthy Mathematician, who had a most generous love for his kindred, gave way to fate in sixteen hundred and eleven, 1611 and was buried in the Church of S. Laurence within the antient Borough of Reading. Soon after was a fair Monument erected in the Wall (with his Bust to the middle) over-against the Desk there, where his Mother was before buried. Part of the Epitaph which is engraven under his said Bust or proportion, runs thus. Johannes Blagravius totus Matthematicus, cum matre Sepultus: Obiit 9. Aug. 1611.

Here lyes his Corps, which living had a Spirit,

Wherein much worthy knowledge did inherit.

By which, with zeal, one God he did adore,

Left for Maid-Servants, and to feed the Poor, &c.

From one of the brethren of this Mathematician, was descended Daniel Blagrave a Counsellour at Law, who running with the rout in the beginning of the Rebellion, was chosen a Burgess for Reading, to serve as a Recruiter in the Parliament, began at Westminster 3. Nov. 1640. About the same time he was made Steward of Reading and Treasurer of Berks, and had given to him the Exegenters Office of the Common Pleas, then esteemed 500 l. per an. Afterwards he was one of the Judges of K. Ch. 1. bought the Kings Fee-Farm of the great Mannor of Sonnyng before-mentioned, and other Estates at very easie rates, was Master extraordinary in Chancery, a constant Rumper, and a great persecutor of the ministers in and near, Reading, especially when an Act of Parliament issued out for the ejection of such, whom they then (1654.) called Scandalous, ignorant and insufficient Ministers and Schoolmasters. At length upon the approach of his Majesties Restauration, in 1659-60 he fled from the justice, retired to Acon in Germany, where living some years under a disguised name, died in an obscure condition, an. 1668. and was buried in a certain piece of ground, somewhat distant from that City, appointed to receive the bodies of such whom they there call Hereticks.