George Lawson 1598?-1678

George LAWSON 1598?-1678

Biographical Note

Born at Langcliffe, Yorkshire, son of Thomas Lawson. Admitted Emmanuel College, Cambridge 1615 though evidence of his graduation is lacking. Ordained priest, 1619. Rector of More, Shropshire 1637, on the nomination of the patron and local landowner Richard More, with whose family Lawson developed close connections, probably acting as tutor to family members. Retained the living throughout the Interregnum. Published a number of theological/political works, including a commentary on Hobbes, although summarised by ODNB as “a figure of learned and respected marginality”.

Books

Lawson assembled an extensive library, auctioned in London by Edward Millington on 30 May 1681, as part of a joint sale of the books of Lawson, George Fawler, Owen Stockton and Thomas Brooks. The sale catalogue lists 4481 lots plus 35 vols of 4to sermons, but the catalogue does not distinguish which books came from which source. The lots are divided by language: Latin 1324, English 3018, French 5, learned and oriental languages (including Greek, Hebrew, Persian, Chaldaic and Syriac) 130.

Characteristic markings

None of Lawson’s books have been identified.

Sources

• Catalogus librorum … Georgii Lawsoni, 1681, ESTC r22799.

• Condren, Conal, 'Lawson, George (bap. 1598?, d. 1678), Church of England clergyman and political writer'." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography".

• Condren, Conal, More parish library, Salop, Library History 7 (1987), 141-161.