Thomas Martin was one of the most colorful book and manuscript collectors of the mid eighteenth century, and his assemblage of antiquities was immense. He was known by the nickname "Honest Tom," which was not entirely warranted in light of the questionable means by which he acquired the bulk of his collection. His character was such that he was never able to exploit the materials in his possession through publication; furthermore, he left his financial affairs in such a parlous state that the collection had to be sold quickly on his death. Nevertheless, Martin actively encouraged others to undertake historical research and was always willing to make the resources of his library available to such researchers and to assist them whenever he could.

Thomas Martin was born on 8 March 1697 in Thetford, on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, to William Martin, rector of Great Livermore in Suffolk and...