Letters from Baron Philipp von Stosch to William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/188
  • Dates of Creation
    • 22 July 1724- 7 March 1729
  • Language of Material
    • French
  • Physical Description
    • 11 items

Scope and Content

This group of letters from Baron Philipp von Stosch written to the 2nd Duke of Devonshire largely concern antiques this antiquarian wishes to draw the 2nd Duke's attention to including those in other people's collections, those being dug up in Rome [Palatine Hill] and those that have come up for sale. He provides advice to the Duke about what will make a good acquisition and what is poor quality, modern or forged.

There is also some allusion to von Stosch's role as an informer for the British King and Government about the Jacobite court at Rome and his dire financial situation in Rome which leads him to plead for the Duke of Devonshire's protection.