Born in Newport, Isle of Wight

1592

6 May matriculated at Exeter College, Oxford; moved to Christ Church in September

1608

12 October, graduated with B.A. (M.A. 24 Jan. 1614-15)

1611

30 September, elected probationary fellow

1615

Travelled to Russia as chaplain to the embassy of Sir Dudley Digges; travelled also in Wales, Scotland, Shetland, Greenland; brought manuscripts and collections of folk about the Time of Troubles from Russia

1618

28th January, returned to Oxford by this date

1623

7th July, graduated B.D.

1624

Was employed with Selden in the examination of the Earl of Arundel's marbles

1624

Became the librarian of the Cotton library by this point; Sir Simonds D'Ewes commented that 'James, being a needy sharking companion, and very expensive … let out or lent most precious manuscripts for money to any that would be his customers.'

1628

23rd October, presented to the sinecure living of Little Mongeham, Kent

1629

Continued in the service of Sir Thomas Cotton after the death of his father, Sir Robert Cotton

1631

Died at Sir Thomas’ house in Westminster

1638