Admitted 9 November, 1657-8.
Son and heir of Simon Ashmole, of Lichfield, where he was born 23 May, 1617. He had already published his treatises on Alchemy when he was called to the Bar on 2 Nov. 1660, and, a few days later, was invited to the Bench of the Inn, an honour which he, however, declined. In 1653 he was introduced to the great Selden, and from that time, abandoning the pursuit of Astrology and Alchemy, which had hitherto been his chief occupation, he devoted himself to the study of English antiquities, and especially of Heraldry. On the accession of Charles II. he was appointed Windsor Herald (as a reward for loyal services in early life), Comptroller-General, and afterwards Accountant-General of Excise. In 1677 he was offered the office of Garter King-at-Arms, but declined it in favour of Sir William Dugdale, whose daughter he had married as third wife. In 1662 he became possessed of the valuable collection of rarities preserved at South Lambeth, known as the Museum Tradescantium,. and this collection, with additions, he presented in 1677 to the University of Oxford, where the building, since known as the Ashmolean Museum, was built to receive them, Mr. Ashmole died 18 May, 1692, and was buried in Lambeth Church.
During many years he had chambers in the Middle Temple, the Library of which he enriched with many valuable donations of books, including especially the works of Spelman, Dugdale, Ogilby, and some of his own. The following is a list of his published works; Fasciculus Cheviicus or Chymical Collections [containing extracts from the writings of English and foreign alchemists by the notorious Dr. Dee] … made English by James Hasolle, Esq., qui est Mercuriophilus Anglicus (1650); Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum [a collection of poems on the Hermetic Mysteries] (1652); The Way to Bliss, in three Books, made public by Elias Ashmole [a reprint of an anonymous alchemical treatise] (1658); The Institution, Laws and Ceremonies of the Order of the Garter (1672); The Antiquities of Berkshire. 3 vols. (1719). His Memoirs, drawn up by himself by way of Diary, were published by C. Burman in 1717.
Admitted 22 December, 1847.
Only son of the Rev. William Atherton, of Rutland Street, Hampstead Road (an eminent Wesleyan minister). His admission to the Middle Temple was ad eundem from the Inner, where he entered 11 Nov. 1829, was called 22 Nov. 1839, and made a Bencher in 1851. He became Queen's Counsel in 1852; Solicitor-General, with the honour of knighthood, 1859; and Attorney-General, 1861. He died 22 Jan. 1864.
ATHLONE, EARL OF. See ALBERT VICTOR CHRISTIAN EDWARD.
Admitted 10 August, 1613.
He is described in the Register as "Henry Atkyns, Esq., one of His Majesty's Physicians in Ordinary." He was the son of Richard Atkins, of Great Berkhampstead, Herts. He was educated at Oxford, and took his degree of M.D. at Nantes. He became a Fellow of the College of Physicians in 1588, and was several times its President. He became Physician to the King in 1604. He died 21 Sept. 1635.
