Arthur Agarde, Elizabethan Archivist: His Contributions to the Evolution of Archival Practice

In his various capacities as deputy chamberlain of the Exchequer, antiquary, scholar, and writer, Arthur Agarde (1540-1615) played an integral role in Elizabethan society—a society in which recordkeeping activities and use certainly reflected the political climate. The rise of England as a nation-state not only created a spirit of insular nationalism but also engendered political, religious, and legal controversies. During this era, antiquarian scholars increasingly consulted Britain's vast accumulation of documents to research the past and help settle debates. This dramatic growth in the use of historical records pointed out the need for improved recordkeeping procedures. An examination of Agarde's life and career reveals his contributions to an evolving archival practice, especially in description, arrangement, and preservation.