John Aubrey

John Aubrey stands as a seminal figure in the nascent field of British archaeology. His systematic approach to recording and studying ancient field monuments, particularly megalithic structures, was revolutionary for the 17th century. He moved beyond mere description to engage in critical examination, exemplified by his detailed work at the Avebury henge monument.

His documentation of the 'Aubrey holes' at Stonehenge, though their precise identification remains debated, represents a crucial early attempt to understand the stratigraphy and construction phases of prehistoric sites. Aubrey's meticulous surveys, often conducted with rudimentary tools and methods, laid the groundwork for future archaeological investigations. He recognized the importance of preserving these sites and documenting them before they were lost or altered, a foresight that underscores his significance as a precursor to modern archaeological practice.

His efforts provided invaluable data for subsequent generations of scholars seeking to interpret Britain's deep past.

Aubrey's intellectual curiosity extended far beyond prehistoric monuments. He was a dedicated folklorist, amassing a substantial collection of customs, traditions, and beliefs in his 'Remaines of Gentilisme and Judaisme'. This work is a vital resource for understanding popular culture and vernacular knowledge in early modern England, capturing ephemeral aspects of life that formal histories often overlook.

Furthermore, his unfinished 'Interpretation of Villare Anglicanum' marks one of the earliest systematic attempts at a comprehensive study of English place-names (toponymy), seeking to unravel the historical and linguistic layers embedded in the landscape. His engagement with applied mathematics and astronomy, coupled with his friendships with leading scientific minds of the era, such as Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren, places him firmly within the broader intellectual currents of the Scientific Revolution.

This interdisciplinary approach allowed him to view historical and cultural phenomena through a lens informed by contemporary scientific inquiry.

John Aubrey's most widely known work, 'Brief Lives', is a collection of concise biographical sketches of prominent figures, primarily from the 16th and 17th centuries. Characterized by its anecdotal style, wit, and occasional sensationalism, the book became immensely popular, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, this popularity led to a long period where Aubrey was largely dismissed as a credulous gossip, his scholarly contributions overshadowed by the perceived eccentricity of his biographical writings.

It was only from the 1970s onwards that a more nuanced appreciation of his scholarship emerged. The 'Brief Lives' offers invaluable, albeit sometimes biased, firsthand accounts and hearsay, providing insights into the personalities, relationships, and social milieu of his contemporaries that are unavailable elsewhere. His willingness to record gossip and personal details, while contributing to his later reputation, also makes his work a unique social document.

A significant aspect of John Aubrey's legacy lies in the vast corpus of his unpublished manuscripts, largely preserved in the Bodleian Library. Despite his extensive research and writing, he published relatively little during his lifetime. This means that much of his most important work, including detailed surveys, historical compilations, and scientific observations, remained inaccessible to the wider scholarly community for centuries.

The ongoing process of editing and publishing these manuscripts continues to reveal the depth and innovation of his thought. His ambitious, though often unfinished, projects like the county histories and his work on natural philosophy demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive documentation and analysis. The rediscovery and re-evaluation of his manuscripts have been crucial in repositioning Aubrey from a mere eccentric collector to a significant intellectual figure whose contributions to archaeology, folklore, and biography are foundational.