Arthur Wilson was secretary to Robert, Earl of Essex, the Parliamentary general in the Civil Wars; and afterwards became steward to the Earl of Warwick. He left in manuscript a work on “The Life and Reign of King James I.,” which was published in 1653. A comedy of his, entitled “The Inconstant Lady,” was printed at Oxford, edited by Dr. Bliss, in 1814.

History of King James I.

  A most infamous pasquil…. It is not easy to judge whether the matter be more false or the style more reproachful in all parts thereof.

  Had a great command of the English tongue, as well in writing as speaking, and had he bestowed his endeavours on another subject than that of history, they would have without doubt seemed better. For in those things which he hath done, are wanting the principal matters conducing to the completion of that faculty, viz.: matter from record, exact time, name and place; which by his endeavouring too much to set out his bare collections in an affected and bombastic stile, are much neglected.

  Among minor historical works may be mentioned a “History of King James I.,” by Arthur Wilson, a Suffolk gentleman who held for some time the position of Secretary to the Earl of Essex, through whose influence he gained access to many important documents. His history is a work of some merit, and has the advantage of being nearly contemporary with the period with which it deals.

  As an historian Wilson is very strongly prejudiced against the rule of the Stuarts, but his work is of value because it records contemporary impressions and reminiscences which are of considerable interest. At times he speaks as an eye-witness, especially in his account of the foreign expeditions in which he took part.