Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Anstis, John (1708-1754)

655174Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 02 — Anstis, John (1708-1754)1885Arthur Henry Bullen

ANSTIS, JOHN, the younger (1708–1754), son of John Anstis the elder, was born about 1708, became a gentleman-commoner of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and in 1725, at the revival of the order of the Bath, was made genealogist and registrar. By virtue of the grant passed in 1727 he was joined with his father in the office of Garter. He was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries on 21 July 1736, and was presented with the degree of LL.D. on 22 April 1749, on the occasion of the opening of the Radcliffe library. When invested with the order of the Garter, the Margrave of Anspach presented Anstis with three hundred ducats, a gold-hilted sword, and one hundred ducats, 'in lieu of his upper robe, which Garter claimed as belonging to him by virtue of his office.' He resided for the most part at Mortlake, where he died on 5 Dec. 1754, having shortened his days by excessive indulgence in wine. Anstis's abilities commanded respect, but his 'violent vindictiveness' made him many enemies, especially among his colleagues at the Heralds' College. He died a bachelor, and his brother George, vicar of Coliton, Devonshire, became his heir.

[Noble's History of the College of Arms, pp. 379-80; Nichols's Anecdotes, v. 272, &c.]

A. H. B.

Dictionary of National Biography, Errata (1904), p.7
N.B.— f.e. stands for from end and l.l. for last line

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45 i 10 Anstis, John, the younger: for Coliton read Colyton