Anthony Askew

[2][3][4] According to a fellow physician, he was terrified of the formidable Head Master, Richard Dawes.

[2][4] Initially intended for the medical profession, Askew studied for one year at Leiden University in Holland.

He began to collect valuable books and manuscripts he laid the foundation of the extensive library, the Bibliotheca Askeviana.

[5] He assembled an extensive library,[3][nb 6] the Bibliotheca Askeviana,[2][3] helping to develop the taste for curious manuscripts, scarce editions, and fine copies.

[5] After the death of Askew, the library of nearly 7,000 books,[5] was sold at an auction which lasted from 13 February to 7 March 1775.

[7] William Munk stated that the library collection was sold beginning 19 February 1775 by Baker and Leigh; the sale continued for 19 days.

[9] The purchasers of Askew's books at the auction included the anatomist William Hunter, the British Museum and the kings of England and France.

[2] Books purchased by George III of England in 1762,[10] and the Second Folio of Shakespeare bought in 1800, were added to the King's Library.