John Crosse Brooks |
John Crosse Brooks (1812-1897)
John Crosse Brooks was born in Chatham on 30 May 1812. After leaving school his first job was as clerk/draftsman in the timber-ship building yard of William Rea at Walker on the Tyne. He subsequently became a part owner and manager of ships trading to France. For many years he lived in Wallsend, but moved to 14 Lovaine Place in Newcastle in 1882, remaining there until his death in 1897.
Brooks was elected a member of the Society of Antiquaries on 7 March 1866 and became its Vice-President on 22 February 1890. He was a great collector of coins, medals, tradesmen's tokens, pictures and engravings. The collection of autographs, engravings and documents relating to local and national figures for which he is best known, was begun by an uncle, and then passed on and added to by Brooks himself. In 1894 he donated the records, comprising 26 vellum bound volumes, to the Society. All 26 volumes are now deposited with Northumberland Archives. This exhibition highlights signatures, letters and sketches of some of Britain’s most eminent literary figures. |
