Tanfield Castle, Yorkshire. Francis Grose antique print c1785

by Grose, Francis

Antique print of Marmion Tower 15th century gatehouse.

Francis Grose (1731-1791) wrote the text and also drew many of the engravings for “The Antiquities of England and Wales; Being a Collection of Views of the Most remarkable Ruins and antient Buildings, Accurately drawn on the spot. To each view is added An Historical Account of its Situation, when & by whom built, with every interesting Circumstance relating thereto. Collected from the best authorities.” Published between 1783 and 1787, the heavily engraved views on hand-made paper, suitably convey the aura of the distinctive structures in their landscapes. The accompanying descriptions below each illustration provide a brief and uncommon representation of each particular region - often with humour.

Francis Grose was born in London. His father was a jeweller from Switzerland who, after moving to London, fashioned George II’s coronation crown. Francis joined the military and rose to the rank of Captain. He then became Paymaster and Adjutant of the Surrey Militia. Fortunately his inefficient financial management was able to be supported by an inheritance by his father. His life experiences, including six years as an innkeeper were invaluable in writing his most famous work "A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue"

Page size is 12 x 9 inches or 30 x 23cm