John Leland

John Leland, an influential English antiquarian and poet, was born around 1503. He is best known for his extensive travels and detailed observations that contributed significantly to the study of British historiography and topography. Educated at St. Paul’s School, London, and later at Christ’s College, Cambridge, Leland also studied at All Souls College, Oxford, and reportedly spent time in Paris broadening his scholarly pursuits.

In the 1530s, he was appointed by King Henry VIII as the King’s Antiquary, tasked with examining and preserving the libraries of dissolved monastic institutions. During this period, Leland embarked on a series of exhaustive journeys through England and Wales, meticulously documenting ancient sites, traditions, and local histories. His efforts culminated in the "Itinerary" and "Collectanea," which served as foundational texts for subsequent generations of antiquarians.

Despite his valuable contributions, many of Leland’s works remained unpublished until well after his death, and his later years were overshadowed by mental illness. He passed away in 1552, leaving behind a legacy celebrated for its painstaking dedication to the preservation and understanding of Britain’s cultural and historical heritage. His work remains a critical source for the study of English antiquity.