Letters of Francis (1765-1842), 14th Lord Gray of Kinfauns

The collection is composed of: letter from Lord Gray to John Miller about the Bill for improving the navigation of the River Tay, 1830; and, letter from Gray in Edinburgh, 1815, offering to assist Miss Webster with financial support of her claim upon an unspecified property, provided Mr. Boyd can give assurance of the validity of the claim.

Francis Gray was born on 1 September 1765. He was the fourth son of John (1716-1782), 11th Lord Gray, and Margaret Blair, heiress of Kinfauns, Perthshire. His brothers Charles (1752-1786) and William John (d. 1807) were the 12th Lord Gray and 13th Lord Gray, but both died unmarried. Francis Gray married Mary Anne, daughter of Colonel James Johnston, in February 1794. He succeeded to the title in 1807 on the death of his brother. Francis, 14th Lord Gray, died on 20 August 1842. He was succeeded by his son John (1798-1867), 15th Lord Gray.

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

Among miscellaneous letters of Scottish interest, purchased, December 1976, E. Hall, Accession no. E76.53

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

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 Gray related material (check the Indexes for more details): letter of Gray to Professor R. Jameson, 1815, at Gen. 129; letter to Professor R. Jameson saying he is sorry Jameson cannot come over on a mineralogical visit and thanking him for Mineralogy of the British Isles, 1816, at Gen. 1999/1/69; and, poem Let princes boast their wide domains, printed at Kinfauns Castle, 1831, at SRC.1.9 (formerly Df.3.59).