When and where was William Oldys born?
William Oldys was born in London on the 14th of July 1696. No records confirm his exact birthplace, but London remains the most likely location.
Questions about William Oldys
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What caused William Oldys to lose his family's financial security?
His father lost his position as advocate of the admiralty in 1693 for refusing to prosecute sailors serving under James II. This political stance created immediate instability within the family and resulted in financial strain from the start.
How did the South Sea Bubble crash affect William Oldys' life?
The South Sea Bubble crash cost William Oldys part of his small patrimony. In 1724 he traveled to Yorkshire to stay with the Earl of Malton while trying to rebuild his life.
Why is William Oldys known for being a poor heraldry expert despite holding high office?
The College of Arms later described William Oldys as wholly ignorant of heraldry after he became Norroy King of Arms in April 1755. He held the position until his death in 1761 without ever mastering the complex rules of heraldic design.
What major literary works did William Oldys contribute to during his career?
William Oldys contributed twenty-two articles to the Biographia Britannica from 1747 to 1760. His editorial work also shaped how readers understood early modern poets through anthologies like The British Muse which appeared in 1738.