Michael Le Vassor ( c 1648 - 1718 )

Birth: Orleans, France (c 1648) Death: Northamptonshire (October 1718) Profession: Clergyman, Roman Catholic; Author, historical Research field: History Education: Career: Entered the Order of the Oratorians; left the order hoping for a benefice which would enable him to pursue a literary career (1670); converted to Protestantism; went to Holland, where he became closely allied to Pierre Bayle, Jacques Basnage de Beauval (FRS 1697) and other leading Protestants; went to England (1697); Tutor to Viscount Woodstock, son of the Earl of Portland; published his 'Histoire de Louis XIV' (1700-1711), which compared the King of France unfavourably with his father, Louis XIII; Louis XIV requested the Earl of Portland to dismiss him; Portland did so, but at the request of Gilbert Burnett (FRS 1664), Vassor was given a pension by William III Membership: Fellow Election Date: 14/01/1702.