Here are just a few of the manuscript items that we have recently sold.
We are always very keen to acquire similar items.
- PENINSULAR WAR. Royal Horse Artillery, Portugal 1812 June to October. 138pp. A most interesting contemporary manuscript copy-book of letters, garrison orders and articles issued for the period mostly from Lisbon, with a general index.
- HUNTING RED DEER. An Account of Charges for Catching of Red Deer out of ye Woods of Robt: [Cecil] Hon. ye Earl of Salisbury at Hatfield from Nov 9th 1734 to February 2nd 1734/5. A detailed schedule of payments made by Lord Grey, Earl of Tankerville, of Chillingham Castle, for 85 days hunting at 10 shillings a day. 1735.
- PARSONS, William (fl. 1785-1807). An important collection of original manuscript poems, written over 94 pages between 10th August 1795 and 17th May 1806. Original marbled card covers entitled Fugitive Poems Vol 2. on a preliminary blank.
4to. 1795-1806.
- ASTROLOGICAL CHART. An original late 18th century hand-drawn astrological chart prepared for Susanna Egerton, born July 30th 1797.
DAILY LIFE OF A YOUNG GIRL FROM MASSACHUSETTS. A charming manuscript diary recording the simple daily life of what appears to be a young girl in early 19th century New England.
- DAWES, ( Rev. Charles Thomas, of Cannock, vicar of Dilhorne, son-in-law of Mrs. Sherwood, Staffs., 1793-1863). Manuscript diary, notebook and a translation of Virgil.
- ASTON, Joseph (1762-1844).A rare and important collection of printed and manuscript items by the Manchester author and publisher Joseph Aston.
- CARPENTER & HOUSEBUILDER. A most interesting mid 19th century manuscript account book kept by George & James Brown, an itinerant American carpenter, woodworker, & house-builder, and his son.
- COOKERY. An early 19th century provincial manuscript collection of recipes written by Elizabeth Berwick, Leeds, between 1823 and 1850.
WOBURN ABBEY. An important mid-19th century manuscript record book relating to Lord John Russell, the Duke of Bedford, and the Woburn Abbey estate. It covers household and estate matters, inserted family letters, details of pictures in the collection, accounts of visitors and celebrations at Woburn.
- THE BRITISH ARMY ARRIVES IN PORTUGAL 1797. A most important original manuscript copy- letter book, detailing Major General Charles Stuart's terms of co-operation between the British troops and the army of Portugal.
- GEARY, Thomas. A most interesting collection of unpublished 18th century manuscript poems, written by an English naval officer mainly during the period of the North American campaign of the Seven Years' War.
- ADDINGTON, Henry. An Inventory of the Household Furniture, Fixtures & other Effects of the Rt. Honble. Henry Addington at Woodley Lodge near Reading in the County of Berks. Appraised to James Wheble Esq. Sept. 29. 1801.
LE FORT, Monsieur. De Journal du Voyage en Angleterre, de ma femme et de moi, Avril a Aoust 1835.
- GOLDSMITHS & JEWELLERS. A 19th century manuscript copy-letter book belonging to Hennell & Sons Goldsmiths, 11 Foster Lane, London. 1885-1888.
- TATE MODERN. A unique photographic record of the construction of the original Victorian Bankside Power Station in 1893, on the site of the present power station now converted to form the Tate Modern.
- LUCAS, John Seymour., RA. 1849 - 1923. The artist's own personal address book, comprising some 300 handwritten pages, with 106 preparatory sketches of clients he visited, names and addresses of models he used, artistic colleagues, notes on sitters' facial sizes, hair, complexion, colouring &c.
- INVENTORY of the late Sir Wm. Cann's Furniture &c. A True and Perfect Inventory and Appraisement of all Singular the Goods and Chattells, Rights and Creditts which were of Sir William Cann, late of Brislington in the County of Somersett... taken and appraised this twentieth day of June 1726.
- CARISBROOKE CASTLE [Isle-of-Wight]. An interesting manuscript volume most likely kept by a member of the household, detailing royal visits to the Castle, work carried out on the house and grounds, excavations on the keep, &c &c.
- DEER PARK Management in English Stately Homes, 1760-1821
- An important and fascinating collection of 25 autograph letters and 10 other manuscript items providing a detailed insight into the management of deer parks at Newburgh Priory, Yorkshire; Cassiobury Park, Hertfordshire; and Paultons, Hampshire, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries
- WHALING. An 18th century manuscript notebook, headed ‘Unity 1789', kept by the ship's owner, recording expenses relating to the vessel and its crew between 1789 and 1802.
- VILLIERS, George. A copy letter book kept by George Villiers, bailiff to King George III, and younger brother of Thomas Villiers, 2nd Earl of Clarendon.
- INDIA. The original manuscript journal kept by John Pearson, Advocate General of Bengal, during his voyage from Ryde on the Isle of Wight, to Calcutta, in 1824.
- GRAND TOUR BY AN IRISH LADY. A fine manuscript journal, by an anonymous but very well connected lady detailing her European continental tour. She departs from London, with her daughter(?) Lizzie, and friends, in September 1841, travelling via Paris and Geneva for an extended stay at Florence, and thence to Rome, where the volume concludes with an entry for Thursday 7th April 1842.
- THE JONES ARCHIVE - Portrait of an English Family. The Jones Archive offers a fascinating view of the private life of four generations of a notable London family; its hundreds of letters, photographs, sketch books, travel journals, notebooks &c offering the opportunity for much research.
- MANUSCRIPT PRIVATE "NEWSPAPER". The Caldecote Journal. A completely charming series of letters, 1854-1855, to a Mr Freeman (of Southampton Place, Reading) serving with the Cavalry Division at Balaclava, in the Crimea. Designed in the form of a "newspaper", and written by Adela, Charlotte, William, Thomas & Arthur, the children of the Fenton family, of Caldecote Hall, near Nuneaton in Warwickshire.
- BOTANICAL SPECIMENS. A most elaborate, unique and beautifully presented collection of dried flowers from the area around Liverpool, assembled by Miss Rowe, 2 Elizabeth Street, in the mid 19th century. The collection consists of 90 blue tinted envelopes, each identified with a printed label noting a classification number and the genera. Inside each envelope are numerous dried specimens of varieties of that genera, held in place by small strips of paper, identified with their latin and common name, where they were found, and when collected.
- George Stephenson - "Certain Improvements in Steam Engines". An early and important manuscript ‘warrant', signed by King George IV and his Prime Minister Robert Peel, granting George Stephenson permission to take out a patent for "Certain Improvements in Steam Engines, which invention he believes will be of general benefit and advantage... that he is the true and first inventor thereof, and that the same have not been made or used by any other person or persons whomsoever to his knowledge or belief... " 4 pages, final page forming a docket title, early folds, some tears along them from being folded, but in very good condition.
- 6th February 1822.
- SEATON DELAVAL BREWERY [Northumberland] . A detailed manuscript Account Book for the brewery for 1774.
- SLEDMERE HOUSE. A detailed manuscript account for building and restoration work across the Sledmere estate from 1811 to 1821 by Abraham R. Pickering.
- SHIRBURN CASTLE, Oxfordshire. An extensive manuscript daily journal kept over the last two years of her life, by Lady Elizabeth Parker, sister of George Parker, 4th Earl of Macclesfield. Closely written, completely occupying all 356 pages, and bound in contemporary half calf, marbled boards. The spine is rubbed worn at the head and tail.
- 4to. 190mm x 160mm. 1827-1829.
- FIRST WORLD WAR. Ward Journal I, kept by Lieutenant David Rutherford Adams, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, in September 1916, whilst on duty at the General Hospital in Salonica.
- SCOTTISH BOOK BINDER 1694. A late 17th century Edinburgh wedding contract, written in neat manuscript on paper, signed and dated 9th June 1694. The groom was Robert Allan, his wife Elizabeth Buchanan, and the contract states that Allan was a book binder. Elizabeth is recorded as the daughter of Duncan Buchanan, wright and burgess of Edinburgh.
- SLAVERY. An important and substantial archive of material relating to the estate, in Kingston Jamaica, and Britain, of a Mr John Rae. A Scot who made a large fortune as a merchant in Jamaica.
- AUSTRALIA. The manuscript journal of a voyage from Marseilles to Melbourne, and Sydney, February 18th - April 28th 1858.
- STAINED AND PAINTED GLASS. A fascinating collection of ephemeral items contained in a ‘scraps' album, with the printed label of James Hetley & Co Ltd, 137 York Way, Camden Road, London, N7. on the upper cover, and inscribed "Handle with care. Ancient Price Lists".
- Thomas Rutherfoord's Narrative. 256pp family copy of his unpublished manuscript autobiography, addressed to "my dear children". He was born in Glasgow in 1766, departing for America as a young man in 1783, and settling in Richmond, Virginia.
- MANUSCRIPT DIARY kept by Elizabeth, wife of Charles Anthony, the author of "The Social and Political Dependence of Women" which was published in 1867.
- FENWICK, Sir John, 1645-1697. (Conspirator. Plotted against William III, was beheaded 1697.) The Whole Proceedings in the House of Lords upon the Bill of Attaind against Sr. John Fenwick
- APOPHTHEGMS. A fine late 17th century English manuscript compiled by John Thompson in 1694.
- AN AMERICAN GRAND TOUR DIARY. Fendall Young, Philip R., of Philadelphia, born 1858.
- TOUR in EGYPT and the HOLY LAND. An original and highly readable manuscript account of a journey to Egypt and Palestine in 1878.
- BALMORAL. A Trip to Balmoral in the Autumn of 1860.
- SKETCHBOOK. A fine mid-nineteenth century manuscript drawing book, most probably the work of a Yorkshire lady from a family near Leyburn.
- SHAKENHURST ESTATES, Worcestershire & Shropshire. An important and fascinating collection of nearly 60 early 19th century manuscript documents relating to tree planting and forestry management on the estate, owned by Edmund Wigley, Esq.
- RECEIPTS IN COOKERY. A substantial early 18th century English manuscript of culinary recipes.
- TREATY OF BREDA. Articles of Peace between His Ma[jes]ty and the King of France 21/31 July [16]67.
- CHINA MANUFACTORIES RECIPE BOOK. A detailed early 19th century manuscript notebook.
- CONJURING. A most interesting 19th century illustrated manuscript written by Henry Charles Lupson, 10 Union Road, Cambridge, who appears to have been an amateur magician.
- FEMINIST'S TOUR TO EUROPE.
- VARNISH MAKERS RECIPE BOOK.
- GRAND TOUR. Manuscript Journal & Sketch Book of a continental tour made between 17th May - July 2nd, 1820, by Anne Mills.
- GROOME FAMILY OF NEW ENGLAND. Detailed manuscript journal and account book kept by Peregrine Groome Sept 1st 1816 - 1867.
- SEVEN YEARS WAR IN AMERICA:
- Two important military manuscripts relating to troop preparations prior to the Siege of Louisbourg during the period of the campaign in America in 1757, which formed part of the Seven Years War between England and France.
- HABERDASHER. A fine manuscript account book belonging to Gabriel Hale of Bristol, dated 1754 on the binding, and with entries between1755 and 1772.
- COACHBUILDER. A most interesting 19th century manuscript estimate book kept by S. Hammond, Coach Builder, Waterloo Street, Brighton, between 1874-1877.
- ELLIOTT, Robinson, R.A. (1814-1894). Two Notebooks containing sketches, observations, details of colour tones and climatic effects, kept by this major Northumberland artist between June 1865 and June 1879.
- AMERICAN CIVIL WAR. A most interesting manuscript account kept by an Englishman travelling to Canada and the USA on board the ship Europa, July 9th - October 6th, 1864.
- MISS GENT'S EMBLEM BOOK. A mid 19th century manuscript emblem book drawn by Miss Gent. Oct. 1841.
- AMERICAN HOUSE INVENTORY c1790.
- MANUSCRIPT DRAWING BOOK. A charming 18th century manuscript book of drawings and watercolour designs kept by "Miss Simpson, at Mrs Linton's Boarding-School, Foregate Street, Worcester.
- HORSE DOCTOR'S MANUSCRIPT. A late 18th - mid 19th century manuscript notebook of veterinary remedies, mainly relating to horses.
- JAMES II. An intriguing 17th century manuscript album of Royal Salutations, written in a fine calligraphic hand.
- WICKHAM, Harriet. An elaborate late 18th century manuscript with fine watercolour drawings, detailing A Collection of English Grasses, which were collected by Harriet Wickham.
- MARRIAGE TOUR TO THE LAKE DISTRICT. A charming late 19th century manuscript sketchbook recounting though comic drawings and watercolours, the marriage tour of Mr and Mrs H. P[ym], and their maid Mary Symes.
- BIRDWATCHING MANUSCRIPT. Birdwatching in Somerset, the Scilly Isles, Avon Gorge &c.
- JONES, Emily. Recollections of Hayden Villa. A manuscript novella concerning remarkable events that took place whilst the writer was employed as a governess to the Chetwynd family.
- SONGS FOR THE NURSERY. A charming manuscript volume comprising a pen and ink pictorial title-page and 28 pages of 82 hand-written nursery rhymes with 44 original pen and ink illustrations.
- HUDSON RIVER and the Finger Lakes. A most interesting manuscript album of early 19th century North American topographical drawings.
- WRITING MASTER. Original Manuscript Diary kept by John Reynolds, "Master, Governor, and more than all, Instructor, or the pupils of Arlington House Academy, Chadwell St [London].
- THE LADIES TOILET. A charming manuscript "made by Miss Eliza Bishop for Bazar at Piercefield".
- ELY CATHEDRAL. An extensive and fascinating manuscript account of a long running dispute between the Dean and Chapter of Ely Cathedral and their Minor Canons.
- TOUR OF ENGLAND. A fine manuscript account of a tour in England, including the iron-works at Colebrookdale, numerous sublime caverns, and the Lake District.
- MANUSCRIPT SURVEY by Mr Downing, of "Mrs Allanson's Land Tax - Collected for her Estates in Yorkshire", c1796.
- MIDSHIPMAN'S Manuscript Primer on Navigation, Sailing and Mathematics. Written in 1733 by William Cussons.
- A TRUE AND PERFECT INVENTORIE of all and singular the goods, chattells and debts of Anne Mapleton late of Harbledown.
- HOLT CASTLE. Manuscript "Inventory of the Goods and Furniture at Holt-Castle taken upon the decease of the Dowager Lady Coventry, 1788."
- GODWIN, Henry. An original manuscript sketch book of drawings of vases, urns, furniture, a picture frame, as well as several elaborate ornamental designs, and a fine drawing of the death of Lord Nelson.
- PERSPECTIVE. An early 19th century manuscript "Theory of Perspective" written, probably as a school exercise, by Selina Skipwith. March 18th, 1814.
- HAWKING DIARY. A unique manuscript hawking diary, detailing the short life of a young sparrowhawk "Joan", from October 22nd 1894 to her death on February 19th 1895.
- MILL-OWNER'S NOTEBOOK. A most interesting manuscript notebook kept by Oldroyd, owner of Carlinghow Mill in Batley, West Yorkshire, 1836-1843.
- TEA-DEALER & GROCER. Original Manuscript Stock Book of an early Nineteenth Century Provincial Grocer and Tea Dealer.
- FARMER'S WIFE. A manuscript diary kept by a Suffolk farmer's wife between 1828 and 1839.
- MANUSCRIPT ESTATE SURVEY 1782. Manuscript Survey of an Estate at Sutler in the Parish of Halesowen.
- BOYDELL, Josiah. The original manuscript Will of Josiah Boydell, Esquire.
- 18th CENTURY INDUSTRY. A fascinating manuscript journal kept by an un-named traveller between 17th September and 11th October 1799, who his accompanied by a Mr Brettle (?) the son of an industrialist.
- EDEN, Sir Frederick Morton. Abstract of a Tour, [to the French and Swiss Alps] performed in 1790 - by Fred. M. Eden, and Charles J. Harford.
- SWITZERLAND. A manuscript account of a "Tour from London to Lauzanne in Switzerland & back again." May 10th - 31st 1788.
- HERALDIC MANUSCRIPT 1617. Scot, John. The Foundation of the Universitie of Cambridge.
- AUCTION. An 18th century manuscript record of prices realised for the Sale of "Sundry Household Goods &c, belonging to the late Martha Wainwright.
- LONDON CUTLER - A large quantity of correspondence and manuscript material relating to George Lawcock, a wealthy and successful cutler.
- YORKSHIRE. Wentworth Family. A Note of the Rents of Lands Estated on me 1632.
- VINTAGE CARS. 1903: Our First Tour on a Motor Car.
- LONDON JEWELLER. A detailed manuscript account book kept by an early 19th century jeweller and precious stone cutter.
- PRISON RECORDS for the County of Essex 1766 - 1778.
- SWITZERLAND. A Tour Through Part of Switzerland. Dedicated to Miss Mary Ellen Stephens, 1829.
- CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. Gower, Alexander.G. An untitled manuscript essay arguing for the abolition of capital punishment.
- PEARSON, John. Sketches from Nature. Two sketchbooks of original pencil, pen and ink, and wash drawings, some with added watercolour, taken on the spot during riding tours through Cumberland and Yorkshire in 1799 and 1800.
- BLACKSMITH & FARRIER.. An extensive early 19th century manuscript ledger kept by a blacksmith living and working in Swaffam Bulbeck, Cambridgeshire, covering the period 1836-1850.
- ESTATE PLANS. Plans of the Right Honorable Lady Howard's Estate in Norfolk.
- HOUSE EXPENSES. A fascinating and unusually comprehensive mid 18th century manuscript record of all the expenses incurred in the running of a large private house in Essex.
- A VERITABLE FALSTAFF. A wonderfully evocative English 17th century manuscript account made out to a veritable Falstaff lodging at an inn or ale-house.
- 17th CENTURY TRAVELLER & ANTIQUARY. A very interesting mid 17th century manuscript book headed "Severall Collections gathered at generall tymes as I passed by these Churches & Places."
- GARDENS. A List of the Flowering Trees and Shrubs Planted in the Pleasure Ground at Amisfield, March 1753 all of which were got from Mr Bowie, and others".
- GRAHAM, Thomas. Manuscript account of a generally disgruntled Visit to France in 1770.
- COUNTRY HOUSE DIARIES. The Manuscript Diaries and Accounts of Miss Frances Benson of Abbots Reading. 1812-1835.
- YORK FORNICATION. A manuscript declaration by Anne Hood, widow of the parish of St Michael Belfrey, admitting that she has committed the sin "of fornication with Richard Harrison"
- WISE, J.B. (1759-1829) A Treatise on Dialling followed by A Treatise on the Construction of Magic Squares. 288pp manuscript.
- LEONARDO DA VINCI. An early eighteenth century Italian manuscript copy of the Trattato Della Pittura di Lionardo da Vinci.
- COOKERY.. An interesting early seventeenth century manuscript collection of cookery, medical and household recipes (to perfume gloves..).
- CHINA. A Choice Selection of Receipts for an Earthenware & China Manufacturer.
- An important early nineteenth century supplier's master recipe book. 178 manuscript pages detailing many hundreds of recipes for glazes, fluxes, printing oils, gilt decoration, lustre, varnishes &c.
- ATLAS. Manuscript Atlas. A collection of 29 classical and historical maps on 28 sheets; mostly double-page or folding.
- BEWICK, Thomas. A Dovaston family manuscript commonplace book. A transcribed family copy from original material by John F.M. Dovaston.
- WALES. Unpublished manuscript of 'Miss Jenk's Tour, or Journal through Wales in 1772.'.
- SOWERBY, James de Carle. Manuscript account book for 1826 to 1828, containing full records of all payments for work undertaken, and details of all his items of expenditure.
- LORD MAYORS. A Manuscript List of the Lord Mayors of London from 1275 - 1853.
- COLOUR Dyer's Recipe Book. A mid eighteenth century manuscript
- PETER LE NEVE (1661-1729). A manuscript working book compiled by the Norfolk antiquary and Richmond Herald Peter Le Neve, detailing inquisitions at the death of a king's tenant.
- THEATRE. A manuscript account of private theatricals at Quinavon Castle in Glamorganshire, the seat of T. Wyndham, Esq.
- JERSEY. Manuscrit Les Chroniques de Jersey par David Patriarche Esq., en 1754.
- PAINTER. An Eighteenth Century Coach, Sign and Heraldic Painter's Manuscript Reference Book.
- CARLISLE. Estate Plans of Carlisle. Seven folding manuscript estate plans mounted on linen,
- GARDENING. Manuscript. French Gardening. 1786.
- ADDINGTON, Henry. An Essay on the Affinity between Painting and Writing, in point of Composition. Autograph manuscript on 44 pages
- LIBRARY CATALOGUE. An unusually fully documented early 18th century manuscript catalogue
- PICTURE COLLECTION. A late 18th century manuscript catalogue prepared by an auctioneer(?) for the valuation of a private collection of pictures, portraits, miniatures, antiquities, bronzes &c.
- ESTATE-MANAGER. A manuscript reference book used by the estate manager for lands in the Parish of Rougham, Suffolk, 1779-1858.
- SHOES - CHARLES I.
- Manuscript accounts on six folio sheets "ffor the Prince his hignns", providing priced details for a half year's supply of some 350 items of boots and shoes to Charles I and his household when Prince of Wales, between 15th May and 25th December 1621.
- FLOWERS. De Rhinfeld, Madame [Mathilde]. (nee St. Clair). Floriana; or the Method of Constructing Artificial Flowers. Unpublished original manuscript
- WITCHCRAFT. A Discourse of Witchcraft. As it was acted in the family of Mr Edward Fairfax of Fuystone in the County of Yorke in the year 1621.
- FURNITURE. An Inventory of the Household Furniture of the Honourable Lady St Clair Deceased taken and appraised at her House in Greek Street St Anns in March 1766.
- BUILDER. A Builder's Contract Book, 1843-44, comprising c250 pages of manuscript details of work carried out for private and agricultural customers,
- BOOKSELLING. A detailed single folio sheet manuscript account of purchases made by the Earl of Wigtown from Alex. Symmer Bookseller of Edinburgh.
- JAMES, Walter J. A Note on the Composition of the Artist's Palette. Original calligraphic manuscript
- FLOWER PAINTING. A charming manuscript giving detailed instructions on the art and technique of flower painting.
- LISTOWEL, Earl of [William Hare]. A manuscript catalogue recording over 180 of his paintings.
- IRELAND. An Account of a Tour to Killarney and Through the South of Ireland. By G[eorge] Atkinson, commenced June 23rd & terminated July 7th 1830.
- MANBY, Susanna. An Account of Brighton, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth. May 1839.
- SCOTLAND. Sketches taken during a Tour in Scotland in Sept. 1815.
- NOSTELL PRIORY. A detailed late 18th century manuscript record of the farming land and livestock husbandry on the estate of Nostell Priory in Yorkshire
- JOURNEY by chaise and saddle horse from 'Blacksheil' south west of Edinburgh to London.
- GRAND TOUR. A most interesting eighteenth century manuscript compilation of extracts from a variety of published accounts of travels through Italy.
- ELIOT, T.S. An important collection of sixty-five typed letters, some with manuscript notes, signed to his friend and occasional collaborator Ronald Duncan
- BLUNDEN, Edmund. A remarkable collection of original typescripts, some with minor manuscript corrections, comprising 19 poems (6 unpublished) dated 1920-1929.
- FURNITURE. A 17th century manuscript inventory of the furniture and papers of Anne Guit (deceased), widow of André Kriffain of Dijon. 20ff, dated 11 Février 1686,
- HENTZLER, Paul. A Journey into England in the year 1598, translated from the Latin by Horace Walpole Esq. An eighteenth century manuscript transcription of the 1757 Strawberry Hill edition,
- PAINTER'S ASSISTANT. Three original early 19th century manuscript volumes compiled by a provincial painter and decorator,
- PERSPECTIVE. A most accomplished mid 18th century manuscript treatise on perspective.
- HIGHGROVE HOUSE. Inventory of Highgrove & Duston, together with an inventory of the estate of Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, 1802.
- WINE, TOBACCO & COFFEE. An 18th century manuscript record kept by a Scottish merchant ship owner, listing his dealings
