(John), the second son of John Blagrave, of Bulmarsh-court near Sunning in Berkshire, descended of an ancient family in that country. From a grammar-school at Reading he was sent to St John's college in Oxford, where he applied himself chiefly to the study of mathematics, and without taking any degree, degree, afterwards retired to his patrimonial seat of Southcote-lodge near Reading, where he spent the remainder of his life. In this mansion he died in the year 1611; and was buried in the church of St Lawrence, where a sumptuous monument was erected to his memory. Having never married, he bequeathed to all the posterity of his three brothers, the sum of £50 each payable at the age of 26; and he calculated his donation so well, that near four score of his nephews and their descendants have reaped the benefit of it. He also settled certain lands at Swallowfield in the same county, as a provision for the poor for ever. Among other charities, he left ten pounds to be annually disposed of in the following manner: On Good-Friday, the church-wardens of each of the three parishes of Reading send to the town-hall one virtuous maid, who has lived five years with her master; there, in the presence of the magistrates, these three virtuous maids throw dice for the ten pounds. The two losers are returned with a fresh one the year following, and again the third year, till each has had three chances. He is said to have been not more remarkable for his mathematical knowledge than for his candour and generosity to his acquaintance. His works are, 1. A mathematical jewel. Lond. 1585, fol. 2. Of the making and use of the familiar staff. Lond. 1590, 4to. 3. Afro-labium uranicum generale. Lond. 1590, 4to. 4. The art of dialing. Lond. 1609, 4to.