Matthew Holbeche Bloxam (1805-1888) was a well-respected figure in the world of English antiquities and architecture, though his legal career wasn't quite as illustrious. Here's a breakdown of his life:
Early Life and Education:
- Born in Rugby, England on May 12, 1805.
- Son of Rev. Richard Rouse Bloxam, a teacher at Rugby School, and nephew of famous painter Sir Thomas Lawrence.
- Educated at Rugby School himself.
Career:
- Briefly apprenticed as a solicitor under George Harris in Rugby (1821).
- Struggled to find success in law and switched gears in 1831.
- Became the clerk of the court, a position he held for the next 40 years.
Achievements and Legacy:
- Earned recognition as a Warwickshire antiquarian and amateur archaeologist.
- Authored a well-received guide to Gothic architecture, a popular style at the time.
- Notably, he's credited as the original source behind the famous story of William Webb Ellis inventing Rugby football.
Additional Points:
- You can find a portrait of Bloxam believed to be from his 75th birthday at the Rugby Library [Our Warwickshire website](their website on Warwickshire history).
- For a more detailed account, you can refer to his entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography [Oxford Dictionary of National Biography].
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