Date of Birth: March 12, 1626
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: June 7, 1697
Biography
John Aubrey was an English antiquary, natural philosopher, and writer, born on March 12, 1626, in Kingston St Michael, Wiltshire, England. He is best known for his work “Brief Lives,” a collection of biographical sketches of his contemporaries. Aubrey was educated at Trinity College, Oxford, but his studies were interrupted by the English Civil War. Despite his lack of formal training in antiquarian studies, Aubrey’s work is considered invaluable for its detailed observations and insights into the lives of prominent figures of his time. He was also an early pioneer in archaeological fieldwork, conducting surveys and making significant contributions to the understanding of Stonehenge and Avebury. Aubrey’s eclectic interests and meticulous attention to detail have left a lasting legacy in both literature and the study of English history.
5 Interesting Facts about John Aubrey
1. John Aubrey is credited with coining the term “biography,” derived from his work “Brief Lives.”
2. He was a close friend of Thomas Hobbes, the famous political philosopher.
3. Aubrey’s work on Stonehenge was one of the first to consider the site in a scientific context, rather than a mythological one.
4. He was known for his eccentric personality and often lived in poverty despite his noble birth.
5. Aubrey was a member of the Royal Society, contributing significantly to the early discussions on natural philosophy and science.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Aubrey
1. “He was of an unparalleled diligence and indefatigable industry.”
2. “The most noble and liberal art of writing.”
3. “He was a person of most incomparable parts.”
4. “I have always had a great zeal to perpetuate the memories of worthy men.”
5. “His memory was such as is scarcely to be paralleled.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
There is no record of John Aubrey achieving significant wealth; he often struggled financially throughout his life.
Children
John Aubrey never married and had no known children.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Aubrey
2. [John Aubrey’s Brief Lives](https://archive.org/details/briefliveschiefly00aubrrich
3. [Royal Society Profile](https://royalsociety.org/fellows/fellows-directory/
