Wharton, George

1. Dates

Born: Strickland, near Kendal, Westmorland, 4 April 1617

Died: London, 12 August 1681 datcode:

Dateinfo: 64

Lifespan:

2. Father

Occupation: Gentry

There are two conflicting stories--his father was either a gentleman of means or a blacksmith who died when Wharton was young so that he was reared by a genteel relative. From the story of an inherited estate worth £50 per annum I conclude that gentry is meant.

In either case, it is clear that he grew up in prosperous surroundings.

3. Nationality

Birth: English

Career: English

Death: English

4. Education

Schooling: Oxford

Oxford University, 1633. Apparently he did not take a degree. Wood says that he was again a student, a member of Queen's College, in 1644, while he was there will the royalist forces. He could have received a degree, but did not take the trouble.

5. Religion

Affiliation: Anglican

Nothing is said about his religion, but he fought for Charles in the Civil War.

6. Scientific Disciplines

Primary: Astrology

After the first turn at Oxford, Wharton studied mathematics in the north country with William Milbourne. He was known as a mathematician and calculator of almanacs, though he made no contribution to mathematics. He became virtually the official astrologer of the royalist cause, producing partisan almanacs that got him into trouble with the Parliamentary officials.

7. Means of Support

Primary: Government, Calendars

Secondary: Personal Means, Military, Estate Administration

He inherited an estate from his father (or relative) of £50 per year. He sold it to raise a troop of horse for the King in 1642.

Wharton began to publish almanacs in 1641 and continued, possibly interrupted by the repression of the Puritan regime, until 1666.

Paymaster to the magazine and artillery, 1644.

Captain of horse, 1645.

He served as Ashmole's agent on his estate, 1650-7.

With the Restoration Wharton received his reward; he was named Treasurer and Paymaster to the Office of Royal Ordnance, 1660-81.

8. Patronage

Types: Court Official, Gentry

Although I do not list the position with Ashmole as patronage above, I think I need to include it here--very definitely a favor received. I hardly know what category, but I think Ashmole was essentially gentry after he married money.

Wharton owed his governmental position after the Restoration to the King, who created him a baronet in 1677.

9. Technological Involvement

Types: None

10. Scientific Societies

Memberships: None

Informal Connections: Battle over astrology with W.Lilly and John Booker. Lifelong friendship with Ashmole, beginning in 1645.

Sources

1. Dictionary of National Biography (repr., London: Oxford University Press, 1949-50), 20 1313-14. Anthony à Wood, Athenae oxonienses (Fasti oxonienses is attached, with separate pagination, to the Athenae), 4 vols. (London, 1813-20), 4, 5-9.
2. Allan Chapman, Three North Country Astronomers, (Manchester, 1982), pp. 35-6.

Not Available and Not Consulted

1. Edward Sherburne, "Catalogue of Astronomers", Appendix to The Sphere of Marcus Manilius, (London, 1675).

Compiled by:

Richard S. Westfall

Department of History and Philosophy of Science

Indiana University

Note: the creators of the Galileo Project and this catalogue cannot answer email on geneological questions.