EDWARD WEDLAKE

See also:

• EDWARD WEDLAKE BRAYLEY (1773-18J4)

BRAYLEY (1773-18J4)  , English antiquary and topographer, was born at Lambeth, London, in 1773 . He was apprenticed to the enamelling trade, but early developed literary tastes . He formed a close friendship with John Britton, which lasted for sixty-five years . They entered into a literary partnership, and after some small successes at song and play writing they became joint editors of The Beauties of England and Wales, themselves writing many of the volumes . Long after he had become famous as a topographer, Brayley continued his enamel work . In 1823 he was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries . He died in London on the 23rd of September 18 J4 . His other works include Sir Reginalde or the Black Tower (1803); Views in Suffolk, Norfolk and Northampton-shire, illustrative of works of Rob' . Bloomfield (18o6); Lambeth Palace (18o6); The History of the Abbey Church of Westminster (2 vols., 1818) ; Topographical Sketches of Brighthelmstone (1825); Historical and Descriptive Accounts of Theatres of London (1826); Londiniana (1829); History of Surrey (5 vols., 1841-1848) .