The Layton Collection

THE THOMAS LAYTON TRUST & LAYTON'S COLLECTION

The Nativity of the late King Charles

The Nativity of the late King Charles Astrologically and Faithfully performed with reasons in the Art of the various Success and Mis-fortune of his whole life, by John Gadbury, published by James Cottrell, London in 1659. Layton Collection no 1602

These two pages come from a small volume, published shortly before the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Gadbury uses astrological charts to explain the life, deeds and death of Charles I who had been beheaded only ten years earlier. The book provides a glimpse of the work of a 17th century astrologer; Gadbury begs the reader’s forgiveness for his presumption in examining the horoscopes of so illustrious a person.

The Collection

Thomas Layton collected books, coins, and archaeological items (usually described as ‘antiquities’) for 70 years. In that time he had accumulated what has been described as “probably the largest collection of London antiquities ever amassed by a single individual”.

The vast majority of items are believed to have been bought at auctions. Some came to him from his men working on the river. His businesses provided opportunities for finds from dredging, building of bridges and embankments along the banks of the Thames, for which Layton paid good money. Even by the standards of the day Layton kept poor records of where items were found. Despite this, the collection is considered highly important particularly to archaeologists and pre-historians.