Thomas Tanner: Collections on the history of Cambridgeshire

Autograph, hand of Charles Cowles, and other hands. Includes: (fo. 41) poem 'On the funeral of Robert Trotman Esq.'; (fo. 47v) poem, beg.: 'At Kirton near Bostone (my story is true ...'; (fo. 56) notes on Cambridgeshire items in PRO; (fo. 91) speech by Sir Simonds D'Ewes in parliament, on the antiquity of the University of Cambridge, 2 Jan. 1641; (fo. 100) 'Cantabrigiae Origo etc.': legendary account of early Cambridge; (fo. 102) chronicle of Cambridge, 1229-1388, with abstract of return for Cambridge from hundred rolls; (fo. 104v) account of Cambridge incidents during peasants' revolt; (fo. 140) abstracts of mainly medieval docs re, in particular, Fordham, Isleham, and Wicken, and probably drawn from muniments of the Peyton family, formerly of Isleham. The Wicken section contains many records re Spinney Priory.

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Formerly in the possession of Reuben Frederic Cowles (fo. 10) and of Charles Cowles (1811, fo. 61), both of Blundestone, Suffolk. Belonged to R. Cory Jr, solicitor of Yarmouth, Norfolk, before 1820. Sold by him on 17 Jan. 1820 (inside front cover), perhaps along with another MS re Chilford Hundred, Cambridgeshire (fo. 9). Subsequently acquired, before 1837, by Sir Thomas Phillipps, and thereafter Phillipps MS 2935. Sold at Sotheby's Phillipps sale, 17 May 1897, lot 72. Purchased by the Library from Quaritch, 13 Apr. 1898, for £4.

A full description is available in the Manuscripts Reading Room.

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.