Rymer, Thomas (1641-1713)

English historian and critic. He is chiefly remembered as the compiler of the invaluable collection of historical materials known as the Foedera, published in 20 volumes between 1704 and 1735; the last five books were completed by Robert Sanderson.

Rymer was born in Yafforth, Yorkshire, England. He was educated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge University. Rymer was called to the Bar in 1673. His first important works were The Tragedies of the Last Age Consider'd (1678) and A Short View of Tragedy (1692). These were much discussed, especially as they contained criticisms of Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. He succeeded Thomas Shadwell as historiographer royal in 1692.