Three treatises bound in one volume; the title pages, colophons and a few initials are illuminated. The verso of the penultimate leaf has been used for a notarial instrument dated 28 August 1571. The last leaf [blank?] is missing and has been replaced by a leaf from another MS. ff [1-51]: Petri Pauli [Vergerii] Iustinopolitani ad Ubertinum Karrariensem De ingenuis moribus ac liberalibus adolescentiae studiis liber; ff 52-3: Ode from Vergerius to Ubertinus in 15 stanzas beginning "Kariget nobis pater atque princeps"; ff 54- Guarini Ver[onensis] ad Angelum Corbinellum Florentinum in Plutarchi De liberis educandis translationem de graeco incip[it] prohoemium; ff 89- Magni Basilii De modostudendi poetis et oratori[b]us ex graeco in latinum versum ab clarissimo oratore Leonardo [Aretino] lib[er]. Usually known as "De liberalibus studiis et ingenuis moribus".
Sans titreCopies of Francis Bacon's Essays taken by John Payne Collier, literary scholar and forger, 1867-1883. Collier notes that the MS. in question was "apparently made before any of them [the Essays] were printed. they appear to vary very materially from any of the printed copies I have met with, but I never saw the first edit." The essays copied are as follows:- Of Studies; Of Discourses; Of Ceremonies and Respectes; Of Followers and Friends; Of Sutors; Of Expences; Of Regiment of Health; Of Honour and Reputation; Of Faction; Of Negotiating; Digested notes of Civill Conversation; Of hope, Envie, hatred, feare and contempt; Not to acquaint everie one with secrettes; Of Frendes; Not to be over busie or idle; How worldlie thinges are to be accounted of; Of Time; Of Povertie and Riches; Of Solitarines; Of Life; How our outward behaviour should agree with other mens; Of Affections. An authograph letter to Bligh Peacock has been inserted at the end of the volume.
Sans titreManuscript volume containing tables of the tolls for Argenta in the province of Ferrara, Italy, 1423-1444.
Sans titreA collection of fifty testimonials collected by James Hudson, 1837, to support his application to be Clerk of the University of London.
Sans titreManuscript account of expenses occurred by Dr Thomas Hume for the printing by John Stockdale's firm of Odes of Anacreon, translated by the poet Thomas Moore, 1800. The discharged account bears a note 'Settled in full November 11th 1800', and the signature of Thomas Hume. With a duplicate receipt for £181.18.0 signed by John Stockdale.
Sans titreManuscript relating to customs duties on alcoholic spirits imported to Quebec, Canada, 1762, entitled 'Account of all Spirituous Liquors paying Duty to His Majesty Entered inwards in the Port of Quebec in Canada between the 26th May & 31st August 1762, with the particular Quantity & Quality of Spirits & the Duties Levied thereon'. Signed by John Gray, Collector of Customs, and dated 31st Aug 1762. The manuscript is endorsed 'Amount of Duties on Spirituous Liquors. Quebec 31st Aug 1762.' The following ships are mentioned, together with their masters' names and the ports whence they had come: William and Sarah, Union, Sally and Lucy, William and Elizabeth, Juno, Hope, American, Success and La Rette.
Sans titreManuscript copy of the Charter of incorporation granted to the Gas, Light and Coke Company by King George III, dated 30 April, [1812].
Sans titreManuscript orders made by the Hamburg Company, 26 Jan 1668, to prevent 'employing unfreemen to buy and shipp off woolen' .
Sans titreManuscript volume containing 'The Public and private life of Squallina, enriched with various anecdotes of distinguished persons, compiled by an intimate acquaintance of all', dated to the 19th century.
Sans titreAccount books kept by the Gough family, 1574-1832.
Sans titreManuscript notes on the Japanese exchanges and markets made for Professor Herbert Somerton Foxwell by Juichi Soyeda, a Japanese banker, in 1885-1886.
Sans titreA manuscript Bible containing both Old and New Testaments copied out in shorthand, 1846-50. Included is a treatise on the system of shorthand used and a watercolour portrait of Thomas Bourne.
Sans titreManuscript relating to the Union of England and Scotland, entitled 'Answers to ye 14 Queries', being a reply to [J Ballantyne's] 'Some queries proposed to consideration relative to the Union now intended'. The 'Queries...relative to the Union..." are in fact arguments against it; the writer of the "Answers" (apparently a Scot) points out the fallacies in these arguments and supports the proposed Union.
Sans titreManuscript essay entitled 'On the influence upon health of alcoholic Drinks as an article of Diet including the consideration whether any quantity of any kind be necessary for the maintenance of health in those who are engaged in laborious occupations'. The title-page is dated January 1st 1837 and the conclusion is dated December 31st 1836.
Sans titreContemporary manuscript copy of a proclamation 'concernynge paymente of tythes and oblations as well wythin the Citie of london as ellys wher' wythin the realme', which was made in February 1535. The proclamation contains no date, but an endorsement assigns it, incorrectly, to 36 Henry VIII.
Sans titreBound volume containing file copies of decrees relating to commerce collected between 1717 and 1725 by a Paris office of the Compagnie des Fermiers-Généraux, which was a company trading with the Levant. All are printed excepting the following manuscript transcripts concerning the regulation of trade: 1)An extract of the declaration given to the Ministers of Holland and England by the Plenipotentaries of the King, 4 January 1717, including a note that 'this copy was given to the Company on 11 March 1718, in consequence of a letter written by M. Piquet, Keeper of the Seal at the Council of Foreign Affairs'. 2) A decree, dated 7 October 1717, on the laws governing duties on butter and cheeses. 3) Decree headed 'Cires', 1719, beginning 'The King wishes to treat favourably the manufacture established at Limoges...', and transcribed on the last page of a printed decree of 30 March 1719. 4) Decree, dated 1 August 1720, relating to the sawing and merchandising of merain wood, transcribed on the last page of a printed decree of 9 July 1720. 5) Copy of a letter written by the Companie des Fermiers-Généraux to Sr. Savalette, Receiver at St Valery concerning the liability of duty to goods imported from the Levant.
Sans titreManuscript copy of 'Reuben Manasseh. A tragedy', in five acts (and in verse), by 'Alastor', dated December 1843. A letter concerning the identity of the author has been inserted in the volume, which asserts that he may have been James Orton, who published books under that pseudonym.
Sans titreA signed holograph proposal, 1739, for preventing the illicit practice of wool, tea and brandy smuggling, submitted to both Houses of Parliament.
Sans titreManuscript book of psalm and hymn tunes, written in the early 19th century, with later, possibly 20th century additions.
Sans titreCopy of a Court Roll containing a grant to John Emyford, clerk, of 5 pieces of arable land of the lord's demesne, formerly in the farm of Thomas Dowe and recently in the farm of Gregory Brandon, by the annual farm of 10d. for each acre annually. The roll also includes livery of seisin to John Emyford, clerk, at the same court. The annual rent is 4s.9d. The document is dated 'Thursday after 6 October, temp. Henry [IV?]', probably [1400-1425].
Sans titreManuscript list of 38 names (including 3 on the dorse), with sums of money opposite each, dating from [1700-1750]. The document is headed by four other names, probably those of the 'preasers' or appraisers mentioned at the top of the page. On the dorse is written 'Messe bookes'.
Sans titreAttornment by Sarah [Sare], widow of Jankyn Elys, at the request of Anneys, his younger daughter, to John Horder and Henry Stanleigh, on payment of 1d., of all lands and tenements which she held in inheritance for life as in dower. In the presence of Robert Sampson. Richard Harryes, John Guderych, James Smyth, Robert Whithorn, Richard Elyot, John Geffray, Robert Maisteres, John Cokerel and others. Dated at Babeton 'Thursday after Martinmas, 12 Richard II', or 12 November 1388.
Sans titreCopy of Court Roll made at the Court Baron of Sir John Brokett (Brockett), Lord of the Manor of Westington, containing a surrender by John Clerke (by the hands of John Cony and William Clerke, customary tenants) of a copyhold property and the admission of John Adams, his heir, for a fine of 16s. The property consists of 3 acres known as Grene Croft. Signed by Thomas Walkenden, steward.
Sans titreManuscript list of twelve jurors sworn in the suit between Edward Gibbon, plaintif, and Richard Smith, defendant. The list notes the damages as 50s. and the costs as 12d. Addressed to Robert Walpoole.
Sans titreA license, 1637, granting Gilbert Wells access to his father's properties.
Special Licence to Gilbert Wells, esquire, son and heir of Thomas Wells, esquire, deceased, a former tenant-in-chief holding by knight service, to enter into all the manors, messuages, lands, tenements etc in England, Wales and the Marches which were his father's.
Sans titreA volume, 1933-1934, of poetry, in German, by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by James Blair Leishman. It includes manuscript recommendations by Leishman and comments by Professor Geoffrey Tillotson.
Sans titreA sermon, 1817, delivered by John Holland bound with a copy of A Funeral Discourse by John Yates.
Sans titreManuscript list of 79 subscribers to the Company, usually giving their status or occupation, with the amounts subscribed, [1746].
Sans titre- A miscellaneous collection of orders, receipts and warrants for payment issued by various departments of the Exchequer, with letters of assignment and attorney relating to those who had financial dealings with the Exchequer, 1670-1774. From the mutilated state of some items, the documents appear to have been collected for their autograph interest. Signatories mainly comprise senior politicians and statesmen connected with the Exchequer, notably Prime Ministers, Chancellors and Lord Treasurers.
- Miscellaneous correspondence, 1728-1846, also collected for its autograph interest. They comprise:
a) An Ordnance Office Order of 21 May, 1728, to issue from the Tower powder and shot for six months' exercise to the first Regiment of Foot Guards, signed by John Armstrong, George Gregory, Leonard Smelt, T. White and Charles Wills. It is accompanied by a note of delivery, 24 May, 1728, signed by Leonard Welsted. (2 leaves. 12½" x 8").
b) Letter from Commodore Thomas Collingwood, written from Grafton Gros, Islet Bay in St Lucia on 27 January, 1780, to Thomas Shirley announcing the delivery by James Gordon of 34 puncheons of rum to be supplied to the ships. (Single sheet, 13" x 8").
c) Late 18th century notes on the church of Bowers Gifford and Bowers Hall Manor, Essex, with particular reference to the Boughton family. The final leaf bears a postmark and is addressed to 'Mr. Thorne, senr., at Mistress Spenloves, Silk Mercer, Cornhill, London'. (4 leaves. 14½" x 9").
d) Letter of 19 Oct 1800, written at Mount Juliet, Thomastown, from Somerset Lowry-Corry, Viscount Corry, later 2nd Earl Belmore, to William Leader of Liquor Pond Street, London, concerning the acquisition of a carriage. The letter requires him to 'put in hands for me immediately a chaise with a box to take on and off so that it may be either used as a street carriage or for travelling. I should wish it to be very complete and finished in the highest manner - The Butler arms must be quartered with mine on...it'. This letter was written on the eve of Lord Corry's marriage, by special licence, at Mount Juliet, to Juliana, daughter of Henry Thomas Butler, 2nd Earl of Carrick. (2 leaves. 9¼" x 7¼").
e) Letter from Samuel Whitbread, dated 18 Jan 1801, to Mr. Lucas, coachmaker, Liquor Pond Street, [perhaps concerning the coach mentioned above]. (Single sheet. 4½ x 7½").
f) Letter from Peniston Lamb, 1st Viscount Melbourne, 26 Apr 1802, ordering 'One pair of riding breeches [from] Joseph Porter'. (Single sheet. 4½ x 6").
g) Letter from Edmund Boyle, 8th Earl of Cork, written in St. Albans on 18 Jul 1803, to Mr. Lucas, coachmaker, Liquor Pond Street, arranging for him to call. There are some pencilled notes below. (2 leaves. 9" x 7¼").
h) Agreement, made 16 Feb 1811, between Ron[ald] Campbell, Major in the 72nd regiment, Charles Decoetlogon, H. Irwin, John Moody, Joseph Reed and Thomas Stones, prize agents, to share equally in the 'emoluments and advantages arising from the prize agency for the capture of the Isle of France. (2 leaves. 13" x 7¾").
i) Letter from Joseph Coppock, written at Sandfords Library, Plymouth Dock, on 17 Sep 1817, to Messrs. Clarksons, solicitors, Essex Street, Strand, London, mentioning the affairs of Mr. A.N. Earl(e), and arranging for a call to be made on 'Mr. Holt, the accountant for stores at the Victualling Office...to sign your name to a letter of application I made to the Board in your name for duplicate certificates some time ago...'. (2 leaves. 9" x 7½").
j) Weekly return of coals, candles and brooms issued to the 71st Regiment from 12-18 February, 1821, at the New Infantry Barracks, Canterbury. Lists names of officers supplied. Signed Joseph William Dutie, 'D.M.' and A. Jones, Major commanding the 71st Regiment. (Single sheet. 12½" x 8").
k) Printed broker's receipt of 28 May, 1846, for Consolidated 3% Annuities sold on behalf of Miss Eliza Wardell and John Froggatt, esq., executors of J.A. Wardell, esq. Signed by John Bull, broker. (Single sheet. 3" x 8").
Printed bill of lading, 1799, completed in manuscript for the schooner Pearl bound for Demerara (British Guiana) from Stonington, Connecticut, USA. Cargo includes mess beef and pork, prime beef and pork, mutton, bass, codfish, mackerel, horses, mules and cattle.
Sans titreA certificate, 1890, of Frank Wallis Galton's admission to the freedom of the City of London.
Sans titreTwo bills, 1790-1793, presented to John Perry by two workmen, John Marshall and James Bull for repairing household items.
Sans titreManuscript volume, 1683-1702, containing transcripts of orders, warrants and commissions relating to the offices of Paymaster-General of the Forces in Great Britain, Ireland and Flanders, and of the Secretary of War, the administration of musters, the Chelsea Royal Hospital, and the Ordnance Board with details of offices within it after 1683. There is also a printed copy of His Majesties orders for regulation of the musters, (Charles Bill, Henry Hills and Thomas Newcomb, London, 1687). There is a possibility that this manuscript was compiled by William Bromley.
Sans titreA collection of 16 bills and receipts, dating between 1788 and 1834, for goods supplied to J. B. le Grange. Also a bill to Mrs. Dougan, 1788 and one to Richard Manley, 1834.
Sans titreVolume of printed material relating to the Friendly Society of Journeymen Bookbinders of London and Westminster, including two manuscript items, namely Articles of the Society 'finally agreed to at Mitchell's Rooms, Portsmouth Street, March 24th 1820'; and a letter from James Carss, the Society's Secretary, to John Shaw, concerning the audit of the Society's accounts, [1832].
The Society was instituted to promote 'a good understanding harmony & unanimity amongst the Journeymen Bookbinders of London & its vicinity, & to prevent any encroachments in their rights & privileges'. The articles here listed to which members subscribed concern the organization of the society, the duties of officers, the conduct of members.
Manuscript transcript of an Act of Parliament (16 and 17 Charles II, c.11) for making the river Medway navigable in the Counties of Kent and Sussex, copied in c1740.
Sans titreThe original ordinances of the New College of Cobham, made on 17 November 1598.
Sans titreA volume of the Society's journal, 1888, including information on vegetarianism, John Ruskin, a Christian's part in politics and a record of the business and constitutional affairs of the Society. Also a pencil drawing of the Society's president, S. Barclay Howard, and a hand-painted title page.
Sans titreTranscripts of two authorizations given to Christian Frederick Post by William Denny, 'Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania and counties of Newcastle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware', originally written at Philadelphia, 1759.
- Licence to Post, as a deacon in the church of the Unitas Fratrum, to pass into Indian country 'to preach the gospel amongst any of the Indian nations in alliance with His Majesty...to whom he is hereby heartily recommended for a kind reception and good treatment', 5 Nov 1759.
- Letter of protection addressed to the governors and magistrates of the provinces through which Post may have occasion to pass, commending him as 'a person who has been of great service to his Majesty and these colonies', 4 Jun 1759.
Manuscript items relating to the proposed London and Birmingham Railway, 1830-1833, as follows.
- Copy of an estimate by John Sinclair, civil engineer of Hartshill, Atherstone, of a railway between Coventry and Birmingham, dated 21 March 1832. (2 leaves. 12¾" x 8").
- Notes on the projected route of the London and Birmingham Railway, from a plan 'deposited with the Clerk of the Peace', 1830. (4 leaves. 9" x 8").
- List of cuttings, tunnels and other works on the railway line between London and Birmingham, [1830]. (2 leaves. 10" x 7¾").
A typescript, c1908, entitled La Renaissance de la Tragédie et les Spectacles de Plein-air en France. Alterations and additions in the author's own hand.
Sans titreA commonplace book, 1799, with manuscript entries, probably written by H. A. Mayers, relating to legal and historical subjects.
Sans titreCarbon copy typescript of 'The case against bi-metallism: Mr. Giffen's error', dated 12 Nov 1892, together with an 'Extract from The case against bi-metallism by Mr. Giffen, p.141'.
Sans titreNorfolk militia accounts, 1591-1594, signed by Richard Buntynge and Richard Pepys, chief constables of the hundred of Brothercross, for 'the armeing and settinge forthe of...souldiours' according to warrants received from the Deputy Lieutenant.
Sans titreButcher's account book, 1779-1794, recording the buying of sheep, cows, etc, and the sale of skins, within the Market Harborough area of Leicestershire. Three recipes, for 'green ointment', 'eye water' and gooseberry vinegar, are included at the end of the manuscript. On the inside front cover are inscribed in a modern hand the names of John and Mrs Coleman of Lubenham Lodge, Market Harborough, Leicestershire.
Sans titreManual of mathematics, including sections on calculating interest, 'brokage' and the purchase of stock, compiled by James Harrison of Leeds in 1775. At the end of the volume are added medical remedies and recipes in various hands, [1828].
Sans titreDrafts of letters and opinions of the Lord Advocate from 1807 to 1809.
Sans titreA manuscript volume, 1708-1760, compiled by John Sheffield and his third wife Katherine, on various aspects of their lives.
Sans titreManuscript legal commonplace book compiled between the Hilary term 1683 and September 1684, with additions up to c 1698, and a printed index added in 1680, entitled A brief method of the law. Being an exact alphabetical disposition of all the heads necessary for a perfect common-place useful to all students and professors of the law. A pencilled note on the first leaf suggests that the manuscript was 'probably the property of Mr Serjeant Baynes - if not made by him', on the basis of a letter, wanting, addressed to Baynes and dated 1 Jan 1706. It could not, in fact, have been compiled by John Baynes, serjeant-at-law of the Inner Temple, but could perhaps have been the work of his father of the same name and inn of court.
Sans titreA 54 line poem entitled 'The ultimum vale or last farewell of Thomas Earle of Strafford written by him selfe a little before his death', not in fact by Strafford, but copied, probably in or soon after 1641, on the verso of the front fly-leaf of the library's copy of The Historie of Philip de Commines (1601).
Sans titre