John Aubrey - Wiltshire's First 'Trowel Blazer'

A talk by Dr Louise Ryland-Epton on antiquarian John Aubrey's Natural History of Wiltshire, marking his 400th anniversary year.

Dr Louise Ryland-Epton explores the world of John Aubrey (1626-1697), the polymath antiquarian who combined an interest in the supernatural with scientific method. In his Natural History of Wiltshire Aubrey applied rigorous study not only to flora and fauna but also to dragons, ghosts, witches, magic rings, secret tunnels and giants — even planning an African expedition to hunt a two-legged dragon. The talk marks the 400th anniversary of Aubrey's birth and celebrates Ryland-Epton's publication of his Natural History in full for the first time. It is part of Uffington Museum's talks programme held at Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall.