Octavius Morgan

Charles Octavius Swinnerton Morgan DL, JP, FRS, FSA (15 September 1803 – 5 August 1888), known as Octavius Morgan, was a British politician, historian and antiquary. He was a significant benefactor to the British Museum. Background and education Morgan was born on 15 September 1803. He was the fourth son of Sir Charles Morgan, 2nd Baronet, of Tredegar Park, Monmouthshire, by his wife Mary (née Stoney). Charles Morgan, 1st Baron Tredegar was his older brother. His nephews were Charles Rodney Morgan, Godfrey Morgan, 1st Viscount Tredegar and Col. Hon. Frederick Courtenay Morgan. He was educated at Westminster School in London and at Christ Church, Oxford, gaining an M.A. in 1832. Career Morgan was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a Fellow of the Royal Society and the President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. In 1832 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Morgan had inherited an ample fortune and in 1839 he had "The Friars" rebuilt for his use in the Elizabethan style. The Friars had at one time been home to Carmelite monks. He was said to have filled the house with "Tudor furniture, more curious than useful". Morgan had an octagonal preaching platform installed halfway up the main wooden staircase where he would conduct services every day. His congregation would consist of his maids, the housekeeper, bailiff and the boot boy. The lock he had installed on the door reflected his interest in mechanisms and automata. The substantial brass lock is still on the door of his house and it has seven subsidiary controls.