# Humphrey Cole: A Neglected Trailblazer of Precision Instruments in Elizabethan England
Humphrey Cole (c. 1530–1591) is not a widely recognized name in contemporary discussions. Yet, during the Elizabethan period, he was an influential figure in the emerging fields of scientific instrument creation, mathematics, and map engraving, which were essential to an era marked by exploration, scientific advancement, and imperial pursuits. Despite his considerable influence, his personal story remains largely enigmatic, with only fragments preserved in historical records. This article delves into the extraordinary legacy of Humphrey Cole as an English goldsmith, mint official, map engraver, and creator of high-caliber mathematical and scientific instruments.
## Modest Origins and Unclear Background
Humphrey Cole’s personal narrative mainly exists in obscurity. It is believed he was born around 1530 in northern England—the “Y North” designation in one of his inscriptions suggests this—and he became an integral part of London’s increasingly specialized craft trades. The reference to his northern roots emphasizes the commonness of his name, which has historically complicated efforts by genealogists to pinpoint his lineage or ancestral background.
Cole often used variations of his name—such as “Humfrey Colle,” “Humfridus Côle Anglus,” and “Humfrey Côle Londinensis”—on the instruments he crafted, mirroring the naming practices of his time, including Latinized signatures. However, the variations in spelling also underline the challenges faced in tracing his life story.
Although records from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths were tragically destroyed in a fire, they do provide glimpses into his professional journey. A significant occurrence was in 1577 when Cole assumed the apprenticeship of a William Sysyswithe. This connection with the Goldsmiths suggests his standing in London’s artisan community during the Elizabethan age.
## A Prominent Role at the Royal Mint
Cole’s career was significantly defined by his role at the Royal Mint in the Tower of London. From 1563 to 1578—fifteen influential years—he served as a die-sinker, tasked with the complex responsibility of creating operational dies for coin production. These precision instruments featured designs crucial to Elizabethan currency, including the reigning monarch’s likeness. For this specialized position, Cole earned an annual income of £20, along with complimentary lodging within the Tower and a food allowance. Although not a lavish salary, Cole later expressed dissatisfaction with his earnings to sustain his family, indicating this financial burden may have spurred his pivot to the creation of mathematical and scientific devices.
## England’s Initial Indigenous Instrument Maker
Transitioning from minting coins to crafting scientific tools, Cole became the first recognized native Englishman to manufacture precision mathematical instruments, a sphere traditionally controlled by European imports, particularly from Flemish artisans. His creations, which included astronomical devices, sundials, surveying tools, and navigational instruments, showcased remarkable innovation.
### **Astronomical Compendia: The Renaissance Multifunctional Tools**
One of Cole’s areas of expertise was the crafting of astronomical compendia. These compact devices were engineered to handle various astronomical tasks, amalgamating multiple functionalities—such as sundials, perpetual calendars, compasses, and nocturnals—within one instrument. Seven surviving compendia from Cole, created between 1568 and 1590, exemplify exceptional craftsmanship, mathematical accuracy, and a profound comprehension of celestial mechanics.
The earliest of these, a compendium from 1568, was cleverly fashioned to resemble a book, an inventive tribute to its first owner, the printer and publisher Richard Jugge. Subsequent versions, including the 1575 circular compendium, adopted more standardized shapes while maintaining meticulous detail, highlighting Cole’s commitment to quality over two decades.
### **Folding Rules for Surveyors and Gunners**
Another significant advancement came in the form of folding rules. These adaptable instruments proved useful in carpentry, surveying, and artillery. Cole produced various types between 1569 and 1575, serving professionals from architects to artillery officers. His gunners’ folding rules, for example, featured capabilities for calculating projectile paths and distances, as evidenced by a 1575 specimen that was inscribed with its versatile functions: “a rule, a square, a pair of compasses, a quadrant…to know the hours, heights, and distances of anything.”
### **Astrolabes, Sundials, and Nocturnals**
Cole’s skill set encompassed other essential instruments of the era:
– **Astrolabes:** Utilized for astronomical observations and navigation, Cole’s 1575 astrolabe stands as a prime testament to his artistry. It incorporated intricate engravings, celestial coordinates, and universal projections inspired by Flemish designs. Only one of Cole’s astrolabes remains today, emphasizing its rarity and cultural significance.
– **Sundials and Nocturnals:** Cole