William Camden

William Camden (1551-1623) was an English historian, whose memory is preserved in the name of the Camden Society[?] (founded 1838). Born in London and educated at Oxford University (Pembroke College), Camden became headmaster of Westminster School in 1593. His best-known work is Britannia (1586), a survey of Britain based on his own extensive travels and investigations, written in Latin. In 1597 he became Clarenceux king-at-arms (a heraldic appointment), and in 1615 produced his Annals of the Reign of Elizabeth to 1588. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.