Biography

John Claxton. (-1811)

Studied law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to which he was admitted on Nov 1, 1757. He became a lawyer at Lincoln's Inn, London, and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.¹ In the early 1800s Claxton had built Shirley House, near Croydon, Surrey, which was designed by architect John Shaw (1776-1832).² The site is now home to the Trinity School (Link).

Claxton died at Bath on March 4, 1811.³ A close friend of William Temple.

Life with James Boswell:

Boswell was introduced to Claxton by Temple, who knew him from Cambridge, on May 15, 1763. Apparently they took a liking to each other, and met occasionally whenever Boswell was in London for the years to come. At some point Boswell even borrowed a wig and gown from Claxton.

This article was last updated at February 16 2008 21:08:22 CET

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