Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ellis, James

by Warwick William Wroth

ELLIS, JAMES (1763?–1830), antiquary, son of William Ellis, a glover, of Hexham, was born about January 1763. He practised as a solicitor in Hexham, and then at Newcastle. He was the author of some verses referred to in Richardson's 'Table Book,' and had an extensive knowledge of Border history. He communicated materials on the latter subject to Sir Walter Scott, who was sometimes his guest at Otterburne Hall in Northumberland, a mansion which Ellis had purchased. Scott calls him 'a learned antiquary.' Ellis died 25 (or 26) March 1830.

[M. A. Richardson's Local Historian's Table Book, iv. 52-4.]

W. W.