antiquary founder of the Society of Antiquaries
The youngest son of Thomas Gale, dean of York, and brother of Roger Gale, he was born in the parish of Street Faith"s, London, on 17 December 1682. He was educated at Street Paul"s School, London, where his father was High Master, but did not got to university.
He was baptised on 20 December, Samuel Pepys being one of his godfathers. Around 1702 he obtained a post in the custom house, London. At the time of his death he was one of the land surveyors of the customs, and searcher of the books and curiosities imported into England.
Gale was one of the founders of the revived Society of Antiquaries, and was elected its first treasurer in January 1718.
He resigning the treasurership in 1740. Gale went on archæological excursions through England.
They took up their quarters at an inn, exploring the country for three or four miles round. They had with them William Camden"s Britannia and a set of maps.
In 1705 Gale visited Oxford, Bath and Stonehenge, and wrote descriptive accounts.
On 29 August 1744 he made a pilgrimage with William Stukeley to Croyland Abbey. Gale died of a fever on 10 January 1754 at his lodgings, the Chicken-house, Hampstead. He was buried by Stukeley on 14 January in the burial-ground of Street George"s, Queen Square, London, near the Foundling Hospital.
His collection of prints by Wencelas Hollar, Callot, and others was sold by auction in 1754 by Abraham Langford.
Most of his books were sold to Osborn.
He was also a member of the Spalding Society, and of the Brazennose Literary Society at Stamford (founded 1745).
