### Humfrey Cole: The Trailblazing English Instrument Maker of Elizabethan England
Humfrey (or Humphrey) Cole, an esteemed English goldsmith and instrument maker from the sixteenth century, stands out as a pivotal figure who united the realms of craftsmanship, mathematics, and science in Elizabethan England. Holding a crucial role at the Royal Mint and demonstrating exceptional talent in crafting mathematical and scientific instruments, very little information is available regarding Cole’s private life. From his existing works and recorded connections, we glimpse his significant contributions and impact on England’s burgeoning scientific and navigational pursuits.
#### Humfrey Cole: Who Was He?
Humfrey Cole was likely born around 1530 in northern England, though specific details about his birth remain unclear. This uncertainty is mainly due to the commonality of his last name and the scarcity of thorough records from that period, particularly following a fire that consumed many documents belonging to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. Cole’s only recorded link to this prestigious guild appears in 1577, when he is documented as taking on an apprentice. Other sources suggest he was married to Elizabeth Cole, who was identified as his beneficiary upon his passing in 1591.
Cole’s professional journey began at the Tower of London, where he served at the Royal Mint from 1563 to 1578 as a die-sinker. This pivotal position involved crafting master dies for coin striking. Although such a role was historically regarded as prestigious, Cole later expressed dissatisfaction with the modest earnings it provided, despite benefits like free accommodation and meals. This financial discontent may have prompted him to pursue additional avenues to showcase his abilities. This shift was crucial in establishing his legacy as the first prominent native English creator of precision mathematical and scientific instruments.
#### A Virtuoso in Craft: Mathematical and Scientific Instruments
From the late 1560s onward, Cole dedicated his skills to the detailed realm of instrument-making. This nascent field was heavily shaped by Renaissance scientific philosophy and the practical requirements of navigation, surveying, astrology, and astronomy. Over two decades, Cole produced an array of devices, of which 26 are still in existence today. These pieces exemplify his mechanical precision, mathematical aptitude, and inventive spirit.
##### **Astronomical Compendia**
Among Cole’s earliest surviving creations is an astronomical compendium made in 1568 for Richard Jugge, the Royal Printer. Compendia were intricate, pocket-sized devices that combined instruments for various uses such as equatorial sundials, compasses, perpetual calendars, and nocturnals. Seven surviving compendia by Cole highlight his skill in designing compact, multifunctional tools.
##### **Folding Rules and Artillery Instruments**
Folding rules, adaptable tools featuring hinged limbs, were commonly utilized in timber measurements and construction. Gunners’ folding rules aided soldiers and artillery specialists in applications like taking angular measurements, calculating trajectories, and assessing distances. Cole’s folding rules, dated from 1569 to 1575, reveal characteristics similar to those described in Leonard Digges’ *Tectonicon* (1556).
##### **Sundials and Theodolites**
Cole showcased considerable creativity in designing sundials and theodolites, which are essential instruments for navigation and land surveying. His earliest complete theodolite, dated 1586, is a remarkable device that combines geometric and astronomical functionalities. With the increasing demand for precise mapping during the Age of Exploration, these instruments supported England’s colonial pursuits.
##### **Astrolabes and Nocturnals**
One of Cole’s most advanced creations is a compact astrolabe from 1575. This instrument, influenced by Flemish designs, featured celestial measurements, quadrant markings, and star magnitudes. Similarly, his nocturnal (1570) offered nighttime timekeeping by tracking stars. These inventions illustrated his expertise in converting complex astronomical concepts into usable tools.
##### **Mapmaking and Engraving**
In a related discipline, Cole produced England’s first engraved copper map in 1572, illustrating the Holy Land for the Bishop’s Bible. While based on Abraham Ortelius’ map from *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum* (1570), Cole customized the map by incorporating the coat of arms of Elizabethan statesman Lord Burghley, likely in hopes of securing patronage. However, his talents did not lead to a formal role in significant mapmaking projects, such as Christopher Saxton’s *Atlas of the Counties of England and Wales* (1579).
#### Contributions to Elizabethan Navigation and Exploration
Cole’s instruments gained visibility amidst England’s global exploration endeavors. The Muscovy and Cathay Companies, led by prominent figures like Martin Frobisher and Michael Lok, depended on tools for celestial navigation and maritime calculations. Cole was enlisted to provide Frobisher’s expeditions with instruments for measuring time, latitude, and celestial positions. These voyages, aimed at uncovering a Northwest Passage, also required Cole to repair and enhance instruments following their returns.