LEIGH, SIR EDWARD, a very learned English-
man, was born at Shawel in Leicestershire, and edu-
cated at Magdalen hall, Oxford. He was a member
of the long parliament, and one of the members of the
house of commons who were appointed to sit in the as-
sembly of divines. He was afterwards colonel of a re-
giment for the parliament; but in 1648 was number-
ed among the Presbyterians who were turned out, and
in December he was imprisoned. From this period to
the Restoration he employed himself in writing a con-
siderable number of learned and valuable books, which
showed profound learning, a knowledge of the lan-
guages, and much critical sagacity; and of which a
list is given by Antony Wood. Sir Edward died at
his house called Rushall Hall, in Staffordshire, June 2.
1671; and was buried in the chancel of Rushall
church.