The Dawkins family papers consist of:
- Deeds and papers relating to estates in Oxfordshire
- Deeds and papers relating to estates in Jamaica
- Stray deeds relating to properties in England outside Oxfordshire
- Additional Dawkins papers, consisting of deeds and papers relating to the wills of various members of the family
Dates
- 1545-1923
Extent
8.03 Linear metres (73 boxes)
Language of Materials
- English
- Latin
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. D.D. Dawkins b. 1].
Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.
Full range of shelfmarks:
MS. D.D. Dawkins b. 1; MSS. D.D. Dawkins c. 1-72
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 12552, 12553
Abstract
Papers of the Dawkins family, of Over Norton, Oxfordshire.
Biographical / Historical
The Dawkins family had property in England (predominantly Oxfordshire) and Jamaica. Their estates in Oxfordshire were built up gradually during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1726, James Dawkins of Rusley, Bishopstone, Wiltshire, bought the Busby estates in Over Norton, Chipping Norton and Salford. Further purchases of land were made in this area for two generations until, in 1797, Henry Dawkins of Standlynch, Wiltshire, bought Salford Manor. In the 19th century, further purchases were made in Over Norton, Chipping Norton and Salford by Colonel Henry Dawkins and William Gregory Dawkins.
The connection of the early members of the Over Norton Dawkins family with Jamaica is not clear. The earliest Jamaican Dawkins settlers, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Dawkins, Major William Dawkins and Henry and Thomas Dawkins, died before James Dawkins of Rusley purchased the Busby estate at Over Norton. Henry Dawkins II of Jamaica, however, later came back to England, and may possibly be Major Henry Dawkins of Standlynch, but there is no proof of this.
The connection of the early members of the Over Norton Dawkins family with Jamaica is not clear. The earliest Jamaican Dawkins settlers, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Dawkins, Major William Dawkins and Henry and Thomas Dawkins, died before James Dawkins of Rusley purchased the Busby estate at Over Norton. Henry Dawkins II of Jamaica, however, later came back to England, and may possibly be Major Henry Dawkins of Standlynch, but there is no proof of this.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
MSS. D.D. Dawkins c. 1-46 were deposited by Mr. C.J. Dawkins, 1956.
MS. D.D. Dawkins b. 1 and MSS. D.D. Dawkins c. 47-72 were deposited by Messrs. Edgely and Co., through the British Records Association, 1972.
MS. D.D. Dawkins b. 1 and MSS. D.D. Dawkins c. 47-72 were deposited by Messrs. Edgely and Co., through the British Records Association, 1972.
- Title
- Papers of the Dawkins family, of Over Norton, Oxfordshire
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Collection Level Description by Emily Tarrant; EAD version 2022 by Marion Lowman
- Date
- EAD version 2022
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk