Letters of Francis Richard Charteris (1818-1914), 10th Earl of Wemyss

The material is composed of: letters (2) of Wemyss as Lord Elcho, May 1866, addressed to 'My dear Clinton' from 23 St. James's Place, London, one of which refers to an enclosure (not included) which he believes 'would be a suitable reply to your friend', and the other about 'the condition of the cave'; letter from Wemyss at 23 St. James's Place, and as Lord Elcho, regretting that he 'will be unable to dine with the Director of the British Orphan Asylum; letter from Dingwall, 1860, signed Elcho, and relating to the kilt and dress of an army battalion; and, letter to 'My dear Watts', 1862, signed Elcho, wishing to talk about 'the Challenge Shield which I am to give for Competition at Wimbledon'.

Francis Richard Charteris was born on 4 August 1818. He was educated at Edinburgh Academy and at Eton, and then he studied at Christ Church, Oxford. He became the MP for East Gloucestershire, 1841-1846, and for East Lothian, 1847-1883. On 29 August 1843, he married Lady Anne Frederica Anson, daughter of Thomas William, 1st Earl of Lichfield. Wemyss was Lord of the Treasury, 1852-1855. He succeeded to the title on the death of his father, Francis, 9th Earl of Wemyss, on 1 January 1883. Francis Richard, 10th Earl of Wemyss, died on 30 June 1914. He was succeeded by his fourth son, Hugo Richard (1857-1937) 11th Earl of Wemyss.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

Letters at Gen. 1801/4/19, Accession no. E70.3. Letter at Gen. 2040/14, among miscellaneous letters of Scottish interest, purchased October 1975, Accession no. E75/53.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Burke, Sir Bernard. and Burke Ashworth P. A genealogical and heraldic history of the peerage and baronetage, the Privy Council, and knightage. 87th edition. London: Burke's Peerage Ltd., 1929. (2) Who was who - 1897-1916. London: A. and C. Black, 1920.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.

The local Indexes show various references to Wemyss related material (check the Indexes for more details): letter to Wemyss from C. Sarolea, 1914, at Sar.Coll.38; and, letter of Wemyss as Lord Elcho, undated, at Dk.6.19/2.

In addition, the UK National Register of Archives (NRA), updated by the Historical Manuscripts Commission, notes several locations of Wemyss related material.