John Wagstaffe

son of John Wags. Citizen of London, descended from those of his name of Hasland Hall in Derbyshire, was born in Cheapside within the City of London, became a Commoner of Oriel Coll. in the latter end of 1649, took the degrees in Arts, and applied himself to the study of Politicks and other learning. At length being call’d from an academical life to the inheritance of Hasland by the death of an Uncle, who died without male-issue, he spent his life afterwards in a single estate. But before he left Oxon he wrot and published,

Historical reflections on the Bishop of Rome, chiefly discovering those events of humane affairs which most advance the Papal Usurpation. Oxon. 1660. qu. This book, tho much commended at its first appearance, yet the author was laughed at, because that he, being a little crooked man, and of a despicable presence, should adventure to encounter with so great person as the Pope. After he had left the University he wrot and published,

The question of Witchcraft debated: or, a discourse against their opinion that affirm Witches. Lond. 1669. oct. To which is added Lucians dialogue, called Lovers of lyes, translated by another hand. But an answer coming out against the said book, intit. The opinion of Witchcraft vindicated, Lond. 1670. oct, written by R.T. and reflections made on it by Dr. Casaubon in his book of Credulity and Incredulity, our Author Wagstaffe came out with a second edition, and additions therein.—Lond. 1671. oct. For the writing of which book he was also laughed at by wags of this University, because, as they said, he himself look’d like a little Wizard. It was also frequently reported, that he was Author of a libellous Pamphlet intit. Sundry things from several hands concerning the University of Oxford, viz. (1) A petition from some well affected therein. (2) A model for a Colledge reformation. (3) Queries concerning the said University, and several persons therein. Lond. 1659, in one sheet and half in qu. But I think to the contrary, that he was not the Author, but rather one of the Students of Ch. Ch. that sedulously endeavoured to lay it at the door of Wagstaffe, who dying in his Lodgings opposite to the end of Chancery-lane in Holbourn on the second day of Septemb. in sixteen hundred seventy and seven, aged 44 or thereabouts,1677. was buried in Guildhall Chappel within the City of London, under the Seats on the left hand, as you enter into that Chappel. This person died in a manner distracted, occasion’d by a deep conceit of his own parts, and by a continual bibbing of strong and high tasted Liquors.