Johnson, Maurice (1688 -1755)

Crest matches that of the bookplate of M.  Johnson, Hon. Soc. I. Templi & Antiq. Lond. S & Gen. Spaldg Inst & Secr. 1735 [Franks 16550].

Maurice Johnson, antiquarian, was the founder of 'The Gentlemen's Society' (Spalding Gentlemen’s Society).  The revival of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1717 was largely due to Johnson's efforts. 

He left immense manuscript collections, indexed by him in 1750, relating chiefly to the law and history of Spalding, Boston, Stamford, Croyland, Peterborough, and Hitchin. The larger part of these is still in the possession of the Johnson family at Blundeston in Suffolk, at Ayscoughfee, and in the library of the Spalding Society.

Johnson died in 1755 and was laid to rest at the side of his wife Elizabeth, daughter and coheiress of William Ambler of Spalding, whom he married in 1710, and who died in 1754, after having given birth to twenty-six children.