Edward Kelley (1555-1597),English astrologer. Kelley,who worked with fellow English astrologer John Dee,claimed he was a spirit medium able to communicate with the dead. Part of the occult and alchemical tradition of the English Renaissance,they claimed to be able to transmute base metals to gold. Both travelled extensively in Central Europe,receiving patronage from nobles. At his peak,Kelley was knighted in 1590 by Rudolf II,Holy Roman Emperor. Imprisoned several times over the following years after failing to produce gold,Kelley died of injuries after trying to escape. Artwork from 'London' (Charles Knight,1841) |