Self-portrait, from Elizabeth Elstob, The Rudiments of Grammar for the English‑Saxon Tongue (1715). RGS Archives [ref: C17/1]
Elizabeth Elstob
Among the volumes in the RGS Archives is a copy of the book, The Rudiments of Grammar for the English‑Saxon Tongue, published in 1715. The title alone may not leap off the shelf, but its author, Elizabeth Elstob, was one of the brightest scholars to emerge from Newcastle in the 18th century.
Published when she was just 32, Elstob’s book was the first Anglo‑Saxon (Old English) grammar ever written in English, an extraordinary achievement made even more remarkable by the challenges in life she overcame.
Born in Newcastle in 1683, Elizabeth was the daughter of merchant Ralph Elstob. Her older brother, Old Novo William Elstob (1673-1715) attended RGS for a few years around 1683. Both of their parents died by 1691, when Elizabeth was 8.
After a period living with an uncle in Canterbury who was against her receiving an education, she moved to London in 1702 to join William, who championed her talents. She mastered eight languages, joined the circle of ‘Oxford Saxonists,’ and became a leading figure in Anglo‑Saxon scholarship.
Her work was supported by fellow Geordie and early feminist-thinker Mary Astell (1666-1731), who helped gather subscribers for the groundbreaking Grammar. But tragedy struck when William died the same year the book was published, leaving Elizabeth without financial security.
Her efforts to establish a school in Chelsea faltered due to debt, and she eventually withdrew to Evesham, opening a small school far from her academic network.
Extract from Elizabeth Elstob, The Rudiments of Grammar for the English‑Saxon Tongue (1715). RGS Archives [ref: C17/1]
Extract from Elizabeth Elstob, The Rudiments of Grammar for the English‑Saxon Tongue (1715). RGS Archives [ref: C17/1]
In later life, Elstob served as a governess to the children of Margaret Bentinck, Duchess of Portland. She died at Bulstrode Park in Buckinghamshire in 1756.
Elizabeth Elstob’s pioneering scholarship, and her resilience, continue to inspire us 310 years on from her books’ first publication.
Extract from Elizabeth Elstob, The Rudiments of Grammar for the English‑Saxon Tongue (1715). RGS Archives [ref: C17/1]
Extract from Elizabeth Elstob, The Rudiments of Grammar for the English‑Saxon Tongue (1715). RGS Archives [ref: C17/1]