Papers of Charles Bruce, 3rd Earl of Ailesbury and 4th Earl of Elgin

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/162
  • Dates of Creation
    • 25 August 1720- 2 January 1743
  • Physical Description
    • 7 items

Scope and Content

These papers of Charles Bruce include letters receipts and memoranda created over almost a twenty-five year period.

The letters written to Richard Boyle, Lord Burlington concern: Mr Fellows and Mr Peters producing a draught with additions for Lord Burlington and Lord Bruce; Fellows' trip to Bath; explaining what needs to be done and setting to work with direction from Lord Burlington; going to the house; a description of a house and estate and how it will suit Lord Burlington; his wishes to Lady Burlington; business relating to Lady Burlington and Mr Abdy; wishes for Lord Burlington's garter; sending the workmen down; Lord Burlington's instruction of rooms in the woods and his approbation as to Bradfield; meeting at Bradfield; sending a servant to look at wood to be bought on Lord Burlington's behalf; planning a trip together to see Inigo Jones's Coleshill by Farington.

The letter written to Mary Tufton, Lady Thanet concerns: his sorrow at Lady Thanet's miscarriage; Sir William Abdy's need for support and Bruce's advice to give him a salary of £100 a year.

The letters written to Lady Burlington concern: his marriage to Miss Campbell; Lady Burlington's role in the match; waiting on Dr and Lady Westmorland; the Halifax estate to be divided between Lord Thanet, Lady Burlington and Lord Ailesbury [Charles Bruce] by an act of parliament - Sir William Abdy is not for this plan; and advice concerning her £1000 to be paid off.

The papers also include:

-an order from Bruce to Elias Paz to pay Charles Becker the £15,000 owed to Bruce from Lord Carleton's account;

-a receipt for £10,000 paid to Charles, Lord Bruce by Henry Hoare on the order of Lord Carleton.