Abraham de la Pryme: The English Antiquary with a Passion for History and Science

A Life Dedicated to Uncovering the Past

Abraham de la Pryme was a renowned English antiquary, known for his extensive research and writings on history, natural history, chemistry, and magic. Born on January 15, 1671, to French Huguenot parents, de la Pryme's fascination with the past drove him to become a prolific writer, correspondent, and collector of historical artifacts.

Early Life and Education

De la Pryme was born in Hatfield, where his French Huguenot parents, Matthias de la Pryme and Sarah Smague, had settled. Despite his father's wishes for him to become a Presbyterian minister, de la Pryme insisted on attending the University of Cambridge, where he became a pensioner of St. John's College in 1690. It was during his time at Cambridge that de la Pryme developed a strong interest in natural history, chemistry, and magic.

A Career Filled with Historical Pursuits

De la Pryme's career was filled with a variety of historical pursuits. He became the curate of Broughton in 1694, but resigned in 1696 to focus on writing a history of Hatfield. In 1698, he was appointed curate of Holy Trinity Church, Hull, and later, in 1701, he became the curate at Thorne. Throughout his career, de la Pryme remained dedicated to his research, collecting materials for a history of Hull, which remained unfinished at the time of his death.

A Diarist and Correspondent

De la Pryme was a meticulous diarist, keeping a record of his life from the age of 12 until his death. His diary, titled "Ephemeris Vitae: A Diary of My Own Life," was published by the Surtees Society in 1870 and provides valuable insights into his life and thoughts. De la Pryme was also an avid correspondent, exchanging letters with prominent figures such as Sir Hans Sloane and Thomas Gale, the antiquary.

Contributions to Science and History

De la Pryme made significant contributions to the fields of science and history. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1701, in recognition of his research on topics such as archaeology, natural history, and meteorology. His writings were published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, including "A Letter from the Reverend Mr. Abraham de la Pryme, to the Very Reverend Dr. G. D. of Y. and F. R. S. concerning Some Roman Antiquities in Lincolnshire" and "A Letter of the Reverend Mr. Abr. de la Pryme to the Publisher, concerning Broughton in Lincolnshire, with His Observations on the Shell-Fish Observed in the Quarries about That Place."

A Legacy of Historical Significance

De la Pryme's legacy lies in his contributions to the fields of history, science, and antiquarianism. His writings and collections provide valuable insights into the past, and his dedication to his research has inspired generations of historians and scientists. Despite his untimely death in 1704, de la Pryme's work continues to be celebrated and studied, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of historical research.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• 1671: Born on January 15 in Hatfield
• 1690: Became a pensioner of St. John's College, Cambridge
• 1694: Became curate of Broughton
• 1696: Resigned as curate of Broughton to focus on writing a history of Hatfield
• 1698: Became curate of Holy Trinity Church, Hull
• 1701: Became curate at Thorne and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
• 1704: Died on June 12 and was buried at Hatfield

Trivia and Fun Facts

• De la Pryme's diary, "Ephemeris Vitae: A Diary of My Own Life," was published by the Surtees Society in 1870, more than 65 years after his death.
• De la Pryme's history of Hull, which remained unfinished at the time of his death, was finally published in 1986.
• De la Pryme was a prolific correspondent, exchanging letters with prominent figures such as Sir Hans Sloane and Thomas Gale.