Sharpe Papers

The collection contains correspondence, diaries, travel journals, accounts, library catalogues and commonplace books of the Kenrick, Reid, Rogers and Sharpe families, which all help to complete the picture of the four related families. The correspondence covers many topics and is especially interesting on three counts: first, for the many letters from eminent men and women; second, for the range and depth of discussion and exchange of ideas on literary, artistic, religious and philosophical matters; and third, for the day-to-day letters written between parent and child over several generations, which provide a detailed account of family life during the period.

The Kenrick, Reid, Rogers and Sharpe families were a group of late 18th century and 19th century non-conformists largely associated with north London. Numbered among their members were such well-known figures as the poet Samuel Rogers (1763-1855); the barrister Sutton Sharpe (1797-1843), whose wide circle of friends included many literary figures; the businessman, Egyptologist and philanthropist Samuel Sharpe (1799-1881); and the highly respected York non-conformist minister John Kenrick (1788-1877). They and their relatives through successive generations were active in many different walks of life, and their interests and friends were very varied.

The collection comprises the sub-fonds Rogers Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 1-60); Sharpe Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 61-156); Reid Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 157-175); Kenrick Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 176-198); Miscellaneous Sharpe, Reid and Kenrick Papers (Ref: SHARPE 199-212).

Open

The papers are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material, after the completion of a Reader's Undertaking.

Most of the papers were presented to the College in October 1965 by Professor Egon Sharpe Pearson, a descendant of the family through his mother, Maria Sharpe, with a few additional items purchased at Sotheby's in February 1967, and some donated by Professor E S Pearson in 1975 and 1977. In 1973 a larger addition was added, presented by Dr Helga Sharpe Hacker, Professor Pearson's sister. Further papers of Maria Sharpe and her family are contained in the Karl Pearson Papers and the Egon Pearson Papers.

A full catalogue is available on the online catalogue. This online catalogue supersedes the published handlist: Jacqueline Golden, 'The Sharpe Papers (1715-1935)' (The Library, University College London, Occasional Publication no 8, 1983). For a digital copy of the handlist please contact Special Collections.

Normal copyright restrictions apply.

University College London Special Collections holds the Sharpe Papers, the other sub-fonds comprising the Rogers Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 1-60); the Reid Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 157-175); the Kenrick Family Papers (Ref: SHARPE 176-198); Miscellaneous Sharpe, Reid and Kenrick Papers (Ref: SHARPE 199-212). UCL Special Collections holds further material relating to the history of the Sharpe family in the Karl Pearson papers (Ref: PEARSON) and the Egon Pearson papers (Ref: E S PEARSON)les Pelham (ל舜ᘛ²৴돐ػcelet, 1834 W , J 1835 Wood, John and Mrs Wood n.d. Illegible signature [1835] Copy o

UCL Special Collections holds further material relating to the history of the Sharpe family in the Karl Pearson papers (Ref: PEARSON) and the Egon Pearson papers (Ref: E S PEARSON)