Jaffray diary and Barclay letters

Diary of Alexander Jaffray; bound manuscript containing copies of letters to and from Robert Barclay the apologist, letters to and from his son Robert Barclay and Robert Barclay's journal of a tour to France in 1752; 13 letters to Robert Barclay from Elisabeth, Princess Palatine, George Fox, James, Duke of York, and James Drummond, 4th Early of Perth; extract of discharge by Alexander Jaffray and Christian Barclay to Robert Barclay; and sasine in favour of Robert Barclar Junior of Urie.

Alexander Jaffray (1614 – 1673) was a prominent political and religious figure in 17th Century Scotland, particularly in the North-East of Scotland and in relation to the founding of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Scotland. Jaffray’s family were prominent in City politics and society throughout the 17th Century (his father was Provost of Aberdeen) and Jaffray himself ran the gamut of 17th Century life: he was a covenanter and soldier during the Civil Wars. In prison after being captured in 1644, he began to speak with prominent English Quakers as well as with Oliver Cromwell. Jaffray served as Provost of Aberdeen in 1649-50 and 1651-2, during Monck’s military presence in Scotland, and was present and influential at a number of profound turning points of Scottish life throughout the Civil War years.

Robert Barclay (1648-1690) was born at Gordonstoun, Moray, the son of David Barclay of Ury near Stonehaven, and Katherine Gordon. He was educated at the Scots College, Paris. He joined the Quakers in 1667, following his father’s example. He was jailed several times for his beliefs, and published writings on Quaker theology, most notably An Apology for the True Christian Divinity (1676), leading to his nickname "The Apologist". Barclay travelled in Europe and had several meetings with Elisabeth, Princess Palatine. He was connected to James II. Barclay served as governor of East New Jersey between 1682 and 1688, although he never visited the colony. He married Christian Mollison and they had seven children: Robert, David, John, Patience, Catherine, Christian (who married a grandson of Alexander Jaffray) and Jean. His grandson James Barclay was the first Barclay in Barclays Bank.

Open for consultation at our Town House site, open Wed-Fri 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30. It is advisable to make an appointment.

Please see the Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives catalogue at https://archives.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CalmView/

Previously part of the Barclay family papers deposited at Friends' House Library, withdrawn 1992 and offered for sale by auction where it was purchased by Aberdeen City Council with funding from the Common Good.

The author of the 1833 published edition, John Barclay, explains how the diary came into his hands in 1827: it was in the possession of his cousin, the Barclays of Ury near Stonehaven. The first portion of the diary was in the study of Ury House, the remaining pages in the loft of a nearby farm house.

Many of the letters are accompanied with paper wrappers with typed descriptions and reference numbers, which have been noted in the alt ref no field.

DD3170 Manuscript containing copies of the works of Alexander Jaffray, Scottish Politician and Quaker.