(Thomas), Esq.; was born in the north of England, and educated at the university of Cambridge. On his settling in London, he became a member of the Society of Gray's-Inn; and, in 1692, succeeded Mr. Shadwell as historiographer to king William III. He was a man of great learning, and a lover of poetry; but, when he sets up for a critic, seems to prove that he has very few of the requisites for that character; and was indeed almost totally disqualified for it, by his want of candour. The severity which he has exerted, in his View of the Tragedies of the last Age, against the inimitable Shakespeare, are scarcely to be forgiven. Mr Rymer was, however, a very excellent antiquarian and historian. Some of his pieces relating to our constitution are extremely good; and his well-known, valuable, and most useful work, intitled the Fodera, printed in 17 vols folio, will stand an everlasting monument of his worth, his indefatigable assiduity, and clearness of judgment as an historical compiler. He died in 1713.