CAMDEN, WILLIAM, one of the most distinguished scholars and historians, and the most laborious and painstaking antiquary of the 16th c., was b. in London, where his father was a paper-stainer, in May, 1551. His education, commenced at Christ's hos pital, was completed at St. Paul's school, and at Oxford. In 1575, he was appointed second-master of Westminster school; and it was while discharging the duties of this office that he undertook the work which has made his name famous, his Britannia, giv ing an account of the British Isles from the earliest ages, which, written in elegant Latin, was first published in 1586. It at once brought him into communication with the learned men of his time. Before 1607, the work had passed through six editions, being greatly enlarged and improved by the indefatigable industry of the author. The book, at first but a comparatively small single volume, has received much additional matter from other writers. The best known edition of C.'s Britannia, is that of Edmund Gibson, in
English, 2 vols. fol. Of this great work of C., bishop Nicolson said it was "the com mon sun whereat our modern writers have all lighted their little torches." In 1593, C. was appointed head-master of Westminster school; and four years later, he was made clarencieux king-at-arms, an appointment which gave him more time for the pursuit of his favorite studies. His other most important works are—.4 T2724118 of the Reign of Eliza beth; A Collection of Ancient English Historians; An _Account of the _Monuments and Inscriptions in Westminster Abbey; and a Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot. Ile died in 1623, at the age of 72, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Before his death, he endowed a professorship of history at Oxford. The " Camden Society," for the publi cation of early historical and literary remains, is so named in his honor.