Francis Blomefield, English historian and author (b. 1705)

Rev. Francis Blomefield (1705–1752) stands as a prominent figure in the annals of English antiquarianism, widely recognized for his monumental contributions to the historical documentation of Norfolk. Born on July 23, 1705, and passing away on January 16, 1752, Blomefield dedicated his life to meticulous research and scholarly pursuits. He was deeply committed to local heritage and systematic historical documentation, a hallmark of 18th-century antiquarianism.

As a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA), an esteemed learned society established in 1707, Blomefield was part of a distinguished group committed to the study and preservation of antiquities. Beyond his academic endeavors, he also served as the Rector of Fersfield, a parish in the county of Norfolk, a role that likely provided him with an intimate understanding of the local landscape and its rich history. In the 18th century, antiquarians like Blomefield were pivotal in systematically collecting, documenting, and interpreting historical artifacts, documents, and records, often serving as the precursors to modern historians. Their work laid crucial foundations for regional studies, focusing on local genealogies, ecclesiastical histories, manor records, and topographical descriptions.

An Enduring Legacy: The Topographical History of Norfolk

Blomefield’s seminal work, titled An Essay Towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, represents an extraordinary effort to comprehensively document the historical and geographical features of this East Anglian county. This multi-volume project was designed to provide an exhaustive account, detailing the intricate tapestry of Norfolk's past, and represented a significant step in the development of systematic local historical studies in England. The scope of his work included incredibly detailed descriptions of significant urban centers such as the City of Norwich, historically a major economic and cultural hub, and the ancient Borough of Thetford, known for its royal connections and monastic heritage.

Furthermore, he meticulously chronicled all parishes within the southernmost administrative divisions known as 'Hundreds' in Norfolk, such as the Hundreds of Diss, Earsham, Gallow, Guildcross, and Shropham. These 'Hundreds' were historic subdivisions of a county, traditionally used for administrative, legal, and taxation purposes, each encompassing a collection of villages and hamlets. Blomefield’s research provided invaluable insights into their churches, manors, families, and notable residents.

The Unfinished Masterpiece and Its Completion

Despite his immense dedication and the breadth of his initial research, Francis Blomefield tragically passed away on January 16, 1752, at the age of 46, before he could bring his monumental history to full completion. His untimely death left a significant portion of the planned work unfinished. Fortunately, the continuation of this vital project was taken up by his friend and fellow clergyman, the Rev. Charles Parkin (1690–1765). Parkin, himself a diligent antiquarian and Rector of Oxburgh, Norfolk, stepped in to meticulously complete the remaining volumes. This collaborative effort ensured that Blomefield's vision for a comprehensive county history was realized, with Parkin contributing the vast majority of the later sections, building upon Blomefield’s foundational research and extensive notes.

The Curious Case of Blomefield’s Portrait

An interesting anecdote concerning Rev. Francis Blomefield's visual representation was recounted by the notable Norfolk historian, Walter Rye (1843–1929). Rye, known for his extensive genealogical and topographical research on Norfolk, observed that no authentic portrait of Francis Blomefield was known to exist. In an unusual but pragmatic move, a portrait of the eminent English astronomer John Flamsteed (1646–1719), who was England's first Astronomer Royal, was reportedly used as a substitute. This portrait of Flamsteed, presumably bearing a strong resemblance to Blomefield, was featured on the frontispiece of one of Blomefield’s published volumes. This choice highlights the challenge of visual documentation for some historical figures and the lengths to which publishers or collaborators went to provide a visual representation, even if indirect.

Reissues and Enduring Scholarly Value

The profound scholarly value and enduring demand for Blomefield’s work were underscored by its significant reissuance in London between 1805 and 1810. This definitive edition, comprising 11 volumes, was published by William Miller (1769–1844), a prominent London bookseller and publisher known for his fine art books and historical works. This comprehensive reprinting confirmed the history's status as an indispensable resource for local historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in the detailed heritage of Norfolk. Crucially, in this 11-volume reissue, the final seven volumes are largely attributed to the industrious efforts of Rev. Charles Parkin, clearly delineating his substantial contribution to the completed work. Today, An Essay Towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk remains a cornerstone reference work, serving as a testament to the pioneering efforts of early English antiquarians and their lasting impact on regional historical studies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rev. Francis Blomefield

Who was Rev. Francis Blomefield?
Rev. Francis Blomefield (1705–1752) was an English antiquarian and clergyman, serving as Rector of Fersfield in Norfolk. He is primarily celebrated for initiating a comprehensive topographical history of Norfolk, a groundbreaking work for its time.
What is his most famous work?
His most renowned work is An Essay Towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, a multi-volume project that meticulously documented the history, geography, and families of Norfolk parishes, including the cities of Norwich and Thetford.
Did he complete his extensive history of Norfolk?
No, Blomefield died prematurely at the age of 46, leaving his monumental history unfinished. The work was subsequently completed by his friend, the Rev. Charles Parkin.
Who was Rev. Charles Parkin?
Rev. Charles Parkin (1690–1765) was an antiquarian and clergyman who, after Blomefield's death, took on the responsibility of completing and publishing the remaining volumes of An Essay Towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, significantly contributing to its final form.
Why is there no known portrait of Francis Blomefield?
According to the Norfolk historian Walter Rye, no authentic portrait of Blomefield was known to exist. For the frontispiece of one of his volumes, a portrait of the eminent astronomer John Flamsteed was used instead, due to a reported strong resemblance.
When was his history of Norfolk reissued?
The comprehensive history of Norfolk was reissued in 11 volumes in London between 1805 and 1810 by publisher William Miller, confirming its enduring importance and value as a historical resource.