Collection F343 - Amyot-Ryland collection

Thomas Amyot, of Huguenot descent, was born at Norwich in 1775. In 1802, while studying law in London, he became secretary to William Windham during the election campaign which followed the dissolution of Parliament in that year. When Windham became War and Colonial Minister in 1806, he made Amyot his private secretary. About 1806 he married a Miss Coleman of Norwich who predeceased Amyot by two years. He made many valuable political connections through which he was able to secure several lucrative posts which led to his financial independence. Much of his life was devoted to the illustration of English history through archaeology, in which field he was a pioneer. He was a member of the Royal Society and served as the treasurer of the Society of Antiquaries for twenty-four years (1823-1847), eventually becoming vice-president. He also helped found the Camden Society of which he was director from 1839 until his death. Amyot died on September 28, 1850.