Banff Literary Society Records

This material is held atAberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives (Aberdeenshire)

  • Reference
    • GB 228 DD2878
  • Former Reference
    • GB 228 TBR/BANFF/41, AS/Bbnf/41, DAA
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1810 - 1835
  • Name of Creator
  • Physical Description
    • 8 volumes

Scope and Content

DD2878/1 Banff Literary Society Minute Books 1810 - 1815

DD2878/2 Banff Literary Society Sederunt Books 1812 - 1819, 1825 - 1835

DD2878/3 Banff Literary Society Account Book 1818 - 1831

Administrative / Biographical History

The Literary Society was first founded by five students - Alexander Smith, Rev. Lewis W. Forbes, William Bartlet, James Robertson and James Ogilvie - in 1810. It received early patronage from James Duff, 4th Earl Fife. The Society operated a library and held lectures and discussions. The Society's Library and Reading Room were located in the Banff Town House, and in 1814 a newsroom was added. The Society was funded by donations and membership subscriptions. In 1846 the Society's library was opened to readers as well as members.

[Sources: Aberdeen Press and Journal, 20 October 1819 ; Banffshire Journal and General Advertiser, 23 January 1883]

Access Information

Open

Other Finding Aids

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

Archivist's Note

Catalogued by James Douglas in 2009. Given new reference numbers and opened up to online catalogue in 2019.

Custodial History

Originally in Moray District Archives and given the references DAA, transferred to Grampian Regional Archives (now Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives) by the Moray Heritage Officer along with a range of other Banff material and given TBR draft catalogue references. Additional account book received from Aberdeenshire Council, St Leonard's, Banff. (accession 061).

Accruals

None expected