Reeve, Robert (1770/1–1840), numismatist and antiquarian

Died 9 Jan. 1840, aged 69 (Norfolk Chronicle, 18 Jan. 1840, p. 3; memorial inscription at St Margaret’s, Lowestoft). Buried 16 Jan. (parish register). Brother-in-law of Sir J. E. Smith.

‘Robert Reeve, Gent., must be ranked among the worthies of this town [Lowestoft], son of Robert Reeve, attorney-at-law, and the last surviving brother of Lady Smith, wife of Sir James Edward Smith, founder and President of the Linnsean Society. Brought up under his father's roof, and treading carefully in his steps in promoting the comfort of those around him, guiding them in their pursuits, assisting them at once with his advice and his purse, and healing any differ-ences among them. To the active pursuits of business, he joined those of a more refined descrip-tion. In the beauties of nature he felt the keenest delights, in the productions of art he had almost equal gratification, but his attention was principally directed to. the study of numismatics and antiquity, in both of which his knowledge was extensive.

‘Of coins and medals he left a cabinet, which, for the number and beauty of its specimens, might be ranked among the best in the kingdom. His antiquarian collection was in the depart-ment of topography. Mr. Reeve had chiefly bestowed his care upon the town of Lowestoft, and the adjoining hundreds of Mutford and Lothingland. For the history of the latter he left materials sufficient to form several volumes, accompanied by ancient deeds, drawings of churches, public seals, &c.

'In what concerns his native town he was still more rich; he possessed Gillingwater’s own copy of his history, with the addition of three similar volumes, filled with maps, engravings, original drawings, and manuscript: the former collected by the author, the latter in his own hand writing. Mr. Reeve deceased January 8th [sic], 1840.’ (Augustine Page, A Supplement to the Suffolk Traveller, or Topographical and Genealogical Collections concerning that County (1847), pp. 322–3.)

Norfolk Chronicle, 18 Jan. 1840, p. 3
Augustine Page, A Supplement to the Suffolk Traveller, or Topographical and Genealogical Collections concerning that County (1847), pp. 322–3