The papers consist of correspondence, a commonplace book and an agreement for the purchase by Beckford of a house in Lisbon. The papers relate to Beckford's affairs in Jamaica and Portugal.
Dates
- Creation: 1787-1811
Extent
0.55 Linear metres (5 boxes)
Language of Materials
- English
- Portuguese
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Eng. lett. c. 499, fols. 1-2].
Full range of shelfmarks:
MSS. Eng. lett. c. 499-501; Eng. misc. e. 1236; Portuguese c. 1
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 12785
Abstract
Papers of William Beckford, author, 1787-1811.
Biographical / Historical
William Beckford (1760-1844) was the author of the oriental tale Vathek and of several volumes of travel writings, the builder of Fonthill Abbey, and an important collector of paintings, objets d'art and books. Details are given in the Dictionary of National Biography.
Custodial History
Bought by Boyd Alexander from Christie's, 2 Apr 1975, lot 255 (MSS. Eng. lett. c. 499-500).
Bought by Boyd Alexander from Christie's, 2 Apr 1975, lot 256 (MS. Eng. lett. c. 501).
Hamilton Palace sale IV, 27 Nov 1883, lot 974; given by Gerald Wellesley to Charles Robin Hollway, 1917; bequeathed by Hollway to Wellesley, 1921 (MS. Eng. misc. e. 1236).
Bought by Boyd Alexander per A. Rosenthal Ltd., Oxford, 1968 (MS. Portuguese c. 1).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The papers were bequeathed to the Library by Boyd Alexander, 1980.
- Title
- Papers of William Beckford
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Collection Level Description by Emily Tarrant; EAD version 2023 by Marion Lowman
- Date
- EAD version 2023
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk