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John Aubrey's 'Monumenta Britannica'

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'Monumenta Britannica' by John Aubrey, in four parts, chiefly written in about 1665-1693, with notes added by John Evelyn and Dr Thomas Gale. These volumes contain a large amount of curious observations and original work, and are of considerable value from the numerous illustrations and the first-hand information relating to British antiquities.

Dates

  • Creation: 1665-1693

Extent

0.22 Linear metres (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

  • English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Aubrey 14, fols. 1-2].

Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.

Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Top. gen. c. 24-25 (formerly MSS. Aubrey 14-15)

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 12767

Abstract

'Monumenta Britannica' by John Aubrey, in four parts, chiefly written in about 1665-1693.

Biographical / Historical

John Aubrey (1626-1697) was an antiquary. He matriculated at Trinity College, Oxford, 1642, and was a Student at the Middle Temple, London, 1646. He brought to light megalithic remains at Avebury in 1649. He formed large topographical collections in Wiltshire and Surrey, and left in manuscript much antiquarian and historical material. Further details are given in the Dictionary of National Biography.

Other Finding Aids

Falconer Madan, et al., A summary catalogue of western manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford which have not hitherto been catalogued in the Quarto series (7 vols. in 8 [vol. II in 2 parts], Oxford, 1895-1953; reprinted, with corrections in vols. I and VII, Munich, 1980), vol. V, nos. 28426-28427.

Custodial History

At Aubrey's death in 1697 these manuscripts were in the possession of Awnsham Churchill, a London bookseller, and in 1755 and 1780 owned by a nephew of the same names, and in 1817 by William Churchill a son of the last-named, from whom they passed to a cousin, Col. Sir Charles Greville.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Greville sold the manuscripts to the Bodleian for £50 in 1836.

Related Materials

See also Aubrey Manuscripts, (Shelfmarks: MSS. Aubrey 1-13, 16-17, 19-21, 23-26, 31).

Title
John Aubrey's 'Monumenta Britannica'
Status
Published
Author
Collection Level Description by Emily Tarrant; EAD version 2020 by Pauline Soum-Paris
Date
EAD version 2020
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