Guide to the Nichols family collection on the Palace of Westminster
Processed by Sara Stilley, 2011.
Special Collections & Archives
The UCR Libraries
P.O. Box 5900
University of California
Riverside, California 92517-5900
Phone: 951-827-3233
Fax: 951-827-4673
Email: specialcollections@ucr.edu
URL: http://library.ucr.edu/?view=collections/spcol
©2011
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Nichols family collection on the Palace of Westminster
Date (inclusive): circa 1650-1905, undated.
Date (bulk): 1800-1840.
Collection Number: 203
Extent:
1.5 linear feet
(1 flat storage box, 1 phase box)
Repository: Rivera Library. Special Collections Department.
Abstract: This collection is comprised of items found within
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
, by Edward Wedlake Brayley, and John Britton. Material includes correspondences, documents and illustrated plates from circa
1650 to 1905. The original book that contained these items is also housed within the collection. All of the plates feature
views of Westminster from different publications and years. The correspondence includes items addressed to historically significant
individuals or persons related to the history of the Westminster or the production of the book. Highlights include correspondences
to John Bowyer Nichols, the printer of the book; from Charles Barry, the son of the architect who rebuilt the Parliament and
Westminster; to Dr. Reverend Kippis, a noted British Historian and author; from Sir John Cam Hobhouse, British Member of Parliament
and friend of the poet Lord Byron.
Languages: The collection is in English.
Access
This collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & Archives. All
requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections
& Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California as the owner of the
physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by
the researcher.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item]. Nichols family collection on the Palace of Westminster, Collection 203. University of California,
Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & Archives, University of California, Riverside.
Acquisition Information
The book, which contained the items in this collection,
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
, by Edward Wedlake Brayley, and John Britton was purchased in 1995.
Processing History
Processed by Sara Stilley, 2010.
Items were removed from the book,
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
, by Edward Wedlake Brayley, and John Britton, with their original location (page numbers) noted. They were then processed
by preservation standards and housed in mylar enclosures. A custom clam shell box was made to house the book because of its
damaged state. Damage to the book includes: broken leather spine, lost head caps, first two signatures detached from the text
block, and extensive swelling of the text block due to the inserted items. Some slight damage also occurred from removing
items as they were attached in the book.
All items removed from the book have been digitized.
Custodial History
The book, which contained the items in this collection,
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
, by Edward Wedlake Brayley, and John Britton, was purchased by Henry Snyder in London in the 1960's and was subsequently
sold to the University of California, Riverside in 1995.
At some point before Henry Snyder purchased the item it was owned by Robert Washington Oates, a noted collector and antiquarian
bookseller. It is unknown how the book came into Oates' possession or how it went up for sale in London but much of the Nichols
family library was sold at Sothebys auctions.
Biography
John Nichols (1745-1826): John Nichols was apprenticed to printer William Bowyer in 1757 and took over that business in 1777. Among his noteworthy
accomplishments was being editor of
Gentleman’s Magazine and some of the most lengthy and complete antiquarian county histories. Additionally he worked with Abraham Farley in on
the 300th anniversary edition of the
Domesday Book. Nichols created a special font for the edition, which was unfortunately destroyed in a workshop fire in 1808. Also, he held
the office of Master of the Stationer’s Company in 1804. Nichols’ son, John Bowyer Nichols, and grandson, John Gough Nichols,
continued the printing business which is considered today to be one of the best documented printing houses of its time in
England.
J. John Bowyer Nichols (1779-1863): J.B. Nichols was apprenticed to his father and when freed? became a partner in the family business. He continued the family
tradition of printing county histories and was the official printer of British parliamentary publications. Along with being
a printer, J.B. Nichols was, like his father, editor of the
Gentleman’s Magazine, a poet and an author of many works on antiquarian subjects. He was Master of the Stationer’s Company in 1850.
John Gough Nichols (1806-1873): J.G. Nichols joined the family business in 1824 and was a natural historian and perfect successor to his grandfather’s tradition
of studying and printing antiquarian histories. He also carried on the editorial leadership of the
Gentleman’s Magazine until its sale in 1856. He was a founding member of many historical societies such as Camden Society, Surtees Society and
Shakespeare Society and publisher of their publications.
John Britton (1771-1857): Co-author of the book in which the items were found. A well- known English author and historian of his time, he created,
along with his friend Edward Wedlake Brayley a new form of literature in the of important monuments throughout Britain. He
was a frequent contributor to
Gentleman’s Magazine.
Edward Wedlake Brayley (1733-1854): Co-author of the book in which the items were found. A noted English author, historian and topographer, he wrote several
works with John Britton his life long friend.
Historical Background
Palace at Westminster: The Palace at Westminster began as a royal palace in the eleventh century and was the primary residence in London for the
Kings of England and for Parliament until a fire in 1512 that destroyed much of the residential area and the King Henry VIII
moved the royal family to Whitehall Palace. After, it served only as the meeting space for the Parliament, and various other
judicial courts and various other functions. In 1834 much of the medieval building burned in a devastating fire . Sir Charles
Barry won the competition to rebuild the site in the popular Perpendicular Gothic style. The replacement was much larger,
including over 8 acres of reclaimed land along the Thames River, and incorporated those areas not destroyed in the fire. This
reconstruction began in 1840 and lasted for 30 years. Since then there has been considerable restoration of the soft sandstone
used to build the structure due to the effects of London’s pollution, The House of Commons had to be rebuilt after it was
destroyed in a 1941 German bombing of London. Areas of note in the structure are those that survived the 1834 fire: Westminster
Hall, the Cloisters of St. Stephen’s, the Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
This collection is comprised of items found within
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
, by Edward Wedlake Brayley, and John Britton. Material includes correspondences, documents and illustrated plates from circa
1650 to 1905. The original book that contained these items is also housed within the collection. All of the plates feature
views of Westminster from different publications and years. The correspondence includes items addressed to historically significant
individuals or persons related to the history of the Westminster or the production of the book. Highlights include correspondences
to John Bowyer Nichols, the printer of the book; from Charles Barry, the son of the architect who rebuilt the Parliament and
Westminster; to Dr. Reverend Kippis, a noted British Historian and author; from Sir John Cam Hobhouse, British Member of Parliament
and friend of the poet Lord Byron.
Collection Arrangement
This collection is arranged into three series. The series arrangement is as follows:
- Series 1. Correspondence and other material, 1650-1905, undated.
- Series 2. Plates (illustrations), 1747-1875, undated.
- Series 3. Publications, 1836.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Subjects
Brayley, Edward Wedlake, 1773-1854.
Britton, John, 1771-1857.
Nichols, John, 1745-1826.
Nichols, John Bowyer, 1779-1863.
Nichols, John Gough, 1806-1873.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Correspondence.
Plates (illustrations).
Publications.
Westminster Palace (London, England).
Collection Contents
Series 1.
Correspondence and other material.
1650-1905, undated.
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains correspondences and other material found within the published book titled
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its Cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
by Edward Wedlake Brayley and John Britton (1836).
Series Arrangement
This series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number (the original order that the individual items were
located in the book has been maintained).
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to J.B. Nichols, Esquire. from J. C. Buckley.
September 9, 1819. (digital image: curivsc_203_001)
Box 1, Folder 1
Notes regarding rebuilt areas of St. Stephen's Chapel and House of Lords [architectural drawing attached in lower left corner].
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_002)
Box 1, Folder 1
Notes regarding rebuilt areas of St. Stephen's Chapel and House of Lords [architectural drawing attached in lower left corner].
undated (digital image: curivsc_203_003)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to Wilki Collins from John Britton.
December 4, 1848. (digital image: curivsc_203_004)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to unknown from unknown [signature removed; in pencil above “My dear sir,” is written “W. Safford"]
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_005)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to G. James Ache from Champion Dymoke.
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_006)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to unknown from Charles Barry, Jr.
May 24, 1881. (digital image: curivsc_203_007)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to J.B. Nichols, Esquire from E. W. Brayley.
January 26, 1839. (digital image: curivsc_203_008)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to Pickersgile Esquire RA from D. Maclise.
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_009)
Box 1, Folder 1
Correspondence to unknown from Ar. Orslow.
November 16, 1800. (digital image: curivsc_203_010)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to unknown from Ar. Orslow.
August 6, 1801. (digital image: curivsc_203_011)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to The Rev’d Dr Kippis from John Rayner.
April 7, 1783. (digital image: curivsc_203_012)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to unknown from Earl of Dundonald.
July 14, 1830. (digital image: curivsc_203_013)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to unknown from George Dance.
October 27, 1811. (digital image: curivsc_203_014)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to unknown from Edward W. Brayley.
August 12, 1837. (digital image: curivsc_203_015)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to Sir John Cam Hobhouse from WG and to WG from Sir John Cam Hobhouse.
September 19, 1857. (digital image: curivsc_203_016)
Box 1, Folder 2
Financial records regarding Sir Thomas Lenthall.
circa 1650. (digital image: curivsc_203_017)
Box 1, Folder 2
Admit card to House of Lords.
February 14, 1905. (digital image: curivsc_203_018)
Box 1, Folder 2
Correspondence to J.B. Nichols, Esquire from J. C. Buckley.
November 24, 1819. (digital image: curivsc_203_019)
Series 2.
Plates (illustrations).
1747-1875, undated.
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series consists of the plates (illustrations) found in the published book titled
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its Cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
by Edward Wedlake Brayley and John Britton (1836).
Series Arrangement
This series is arranged sequentially according to box and folder number (the original order that the individual items were
located in the book has been maintained).
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Edifices of London – public buildings, Westminster Hall looking south".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_020)
Dimensions:
22.5cm x 13.5cm
Captions:
"A. Pugin, direxit -T.T. Bury. Del.t B. Winkles. Sculp.t"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Edifices of London – Halls, Westminster Hall North front".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_021)
Dimensions:
22.5cm x 13.5cm
Captions:
"Pt. 2, A. Pugin; direxit J. Willis. Del.t, G. Gladwin. Sculp.t; John Weale, Architecutural Library 59 High Holborn"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Sale de Westminster, ou Westminster – Hall".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_022)
Dimensions:
18cm x 15.5cm
Captions:
"Pag: 848"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "The Funeral Proceſsion of the Right hon.ble Charles James Fox _ paſsing the end of Old Palace Yard".
1806. (digital image: curivsc_203_023)
Captions:
"Engraved for the Lady’s Magazine"; "London Publishd as the Act directs No. 1 1806 by G. Robinson Paternoster Row"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Interior of the New House of Lords".
1847. (digital image: curivsc_203_024)
Dimensions:
18.5cm x 22.5cm
Captions:
"Harris Brothers 8 Budge Row 1847"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Vue de Westminster-Hall".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_025)
Dimensions:
18cm x 15.5cm
Captions:
"Pag: 840"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Westminster Hall, East Entrance".
July 1815. (digital image: curivsc_203_026)
Dimensions:
13.5cm x 21.5cm
Captions:
"Engraved by Wallis from a drawing by J.P. Neale for the Beauties of England and Wales"; "London published by John Harris,
St. Pauls Church Yard July 1815"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "The lower Lobby, House of Commons".
September 1, 1815. (digital image: curivsc_203_027)
Dimensions:
13.5cm x 21.5cm
Captions:
"Engraved by Sands from drawing by JP Neale for the Beauties of England and Wales"; "London published by John Harris, St.
Pauls Church Yard Sept 1 1815"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "A Perspective View of Westminster Abbey from the High Altar to the West End, shewing the manner of
his Majeſty’s Crowning Sep.r 22 1761".
September 22, 1761. (digital image: curivsc_203_028)
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Ground-Plan of Part of the City of Westminster as it appeared at the coronation of King George III
– 1761".
March 15, 1820. (digital image: curivsc_203_029)
Dimenstions:
21.5cm x 21cm
Captions:
"London – Published 15th March 1820 by John Major 18 Skinner SPlate 10:"; "Ground-Plan of Part of the City of Westminster
as it appeared at the coronation of King George III – 1761"; "London – Published 15th March 1820 by John Major 18 Skinner
Street"
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "A View of the House of Peers, The King sitting on the Throne, the Commons attending him."
January 1769. (digital image: curivsc_203_030)
Dimensions:
21.5cm x 27cm
Captions:
"Gent. Mag Jan.y 1769"; "J. Lodge delin et sculp."
Box 1, Folder 3
Plates (illustrations), "Representation of the Court at the Trial of Lord Byron."
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_031)
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "Part of Westminster Hall".
September 3, 1805. (digital image: curivsc_203_032)
Captions:
"Engraved by J. Grey for the Antiquarian & Topographical cabinet from a drawing by W.m Deeble"; "Published for the proprietors
by w. Clarke New Bond St. & J. Carpenter Old Bond St. Sep 3 1805"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "Westminster Hall".
1875. (digital image: curivsc_203_033)
Captions:
"G. Garielli scupt."; "Eton: Williams & son 1875"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "A View of the Inſide of Weſtminster Hall".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_034)
Dimensions:
26.5cm x 20cm
Captions:
"vol. 15 pg 89"; "This was formerly the chief palace of the Kings of England but none of them have resided in it since Henry
8 when great part of it was burnt…"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "A View of the Scaffolding in Westminster Hall".
1747. (digital image: curivsc_203_035)
Captions:
"q. II 1747"; "The Plan"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "A View of the Court Sitting on the trial of Lord Mellville in Westminster Hall".
July 1,1806. (digital image: curivsc_203_036)
Dimensions:
18.5cm x 16.5cm
Captions:
"published as the Act directed July 1 1806, by G. Robinson Paternoster Row"; ":T. Prattent sculpt."
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "House of Commons. House of Lords as they were before the Fire 16th Oct.r 1834".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_037)
Captions:
"drawn by Jn. Shury & Son"; "Printed by Day & Haghe Gates st."; "London, Published by John Shury & Son 16 Charterhouse St.
Charterho Sqe."
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "A View of the Court Sitting on the trial of Warren Hastings Esqr. in Westminster Hall".
1788. (digital image: curivsc_203_038)
Dimensions:
26.5cm x 21.5cm
Captions:
"Lady’s magazine"; "Pubd Nat 1 1788, according to Act of Parliament by G. Robinson & Co. Pattter Noster Row"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "View of the choir, theatre and area" AND "The Homage in the Theatre".
September 1831. (digital image: curivsc_203_039)
Captions:
"Gent. Mag. Sept. 1831 Pl. IV p. 229"; "Gent. Mag. Sept. 1831 Pl. III p. 228"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "The Houses of Lords & Commons on the Fire Oct.r 16th 1834".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_040)
Dimensions:
18.5cm x 16cm
Captions:
"London. Published by J & F Harwood, 26 Fenchurch St."
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "The Doors above the Porch and on the level with the Gallery…".
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_041)
Dimensions:
22.5cm x 27cm
Captions:
"Arnolds magazine of the Fine Arts"; "Drawn on Stone by T Allon"; "Printed by C. Hullmandel"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "A View of the Riot Dec.r 11th 1770".
1770. (digital image: curivsc_203_042)
Dimensions:
13.5cm x 22cm
Captions:
"But that we are forbid, To tell the Secrets of the Upper House. We Could a Tale Unfold, Whose lightest Word Would harrow
up the Reader's Soul - Shakes. alter'd"
Box 1, Folder 4
Plates (illustrations), "Vox Populi vox Dei."
undated. (digital image: curivsc_203_043)
Dimensions:
13.5cm x 22cm
Captions:
"Think what care, What vigilance, what toils, what bright contention...- Thomson"
Series 3.
Publications.
1836.
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series constists of the published book,
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its Cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
by Edward Wedlake Brayley and John Britton (1836).
Series Arrangement
This series is arranged by box number.
Box 2
Book titled
The History of the Ancient Palace and Late Houses of Parliament at Westminster : Embracing Accounts and Illustrations of St.
Stephen's Chapel, and its Cloisters, - Westminster Hall, - The Court of Requests, - The Painted Chamber
by Edward Wedlake Brayley and John Britton. Published in London by John Weale, Architectural Library.
1836.
