Identity area
Reference code
Ashby/Folder 1-5/4-5/4/5
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 14 May 1791 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
4p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Antiquary. Entered St John's College 1740; B.A. 1744; M.A. 1748; President of St John's 1767-75; Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries 1775; Rector of Barrow, Suffolk, 1774. Although Ashby published little, he was well-known amongst the literary antiquaries of the 18th century for his varied learning. He regularly contributed to the 'Gentleman's Magazine' and other periodicals on such topics as Roman milestones, archery and numismatics.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Gives thanks for recent letters but states that the two books are too dirty to be of much use. May visit Yarmouth soon and if so will call on Stevenson in Norwich. Has plenty of books, papers, medals and fossils at Bury. WIll give Stevenson a hearty welcome if he visits. Gives thanks for a book on Elizabeth Bentley and informs Stevenson that he knows little of Norfolk, though he has a copy of Honest Tom Martin's Suffolk Notes which is an important collection. Discusses recent copies of the Gentleman's Magazine which include a representation of GA's Queen Elizabeth Prayer Book, and suggests that Nicholls the printer is in an advantageous position when it comes to old manuscripts.