188] A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



does not appear to have enjoyed much conjugal felicity from that 

 connexion, he made another matrimonial experiment, and on the 

 3d of November following, was married at Lincoln's Inn Chapel, to 

 Elizabeth, the daughter of his friend Sir William Dugdale, Knt. 

 Garter King at Arms. 



The academical distinction of M. D. was conferred on Mr. Ash- 

 mole by the University of Oxford in the year 1669; the diplo- 

 ma was dated t the 16th of July, and presented to him on the 3d of 

 November, by Dr. Yates, Principal of Brazen Nose College. As 

 he had never regularly studied the medical art, this compliment 

 was doubtless paid to him for his works on chemistry. 



Dr. Ashmole was now visited at his Chambers in the Temple by 

 some of the most eminent men in the kingdom, both with respect 

 to title and merit. In a summer excursion he visited his native 

 city, and was splendidly entertained by the Corporation. 



On the 8th of May 1672, he presented his work on the Most 

 Noble Order of the Garter to Charles II. who, as a proof of his ap- 

 probation, granted the author c400. out of the duty on paper. 

 This curious production, the work of years of research, is in its 

 kind one of the most valuable books in our language. 



The infirmities of old age were now creeping on, and in January 

 1675, Dr. Ashmole resigned his office of Windsor Herald, which, 

 by his influence, was bestowed on his brother-in-law, Mr. Dugdale. 

 As a proof that his learning and abilities were not forgotten at 

 Court, on the death of Sir Edward Walker, Garter King at Arms, 

 February 20, 1677, on a contest arising between the King and the 

 Duke of Norfolk about the right of disposing of the place, the matter 

 was left to the decision of Dr. Ashmole, who, like a true courtier 

 and loyal subject, decided in favour of his Majesty, This high 

 office was then offered to Dr. Ashmole, who modestly declined it, 

 but employed his interest in favour of his father-in-law, Sir William 

 Dugdale, on whom it was conferred. 



In October 1677, he made an offer to the University of Oxford 

 of all his coins, medals, and manuscripts, on condition that a build- 

 ing should be erected for their reception : to this proposal theUni-* 

 versity assented. About the close of the same year, a proposal was 

 made to Dr. Ashmole to become a candidate for the city of Lich- 

 field ; to this flattering proof of the esteem of his fellow-citizens he 

 could have no objection, but on application to several of the bur- 

 gesses, he found himself so poorly supported that he prudently 

 withdrew his pretensions. 



