Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelFonds
Ref NoMS 3952
Alt Ref NoMSK 257/44
TitleJames Fraser, book dealer and royal librarian: papers
Date1656 - 1712
Extent3 files, 46 items: 0.33 linear metres
Creator NameJames Fraser (1645-1731) Dr; founder of a bursary 1730; L.L.D., King's College, 1725; The eighteenth-century revival in the fortunes of King's College Library, both as a building and as an intellectual resource, can be attributed in no small part to the benefactions of James Fraser... A King's Alumnus, Fraser was a book trader to members of the Royal Court, the aristocracy, and to scholarly and scientific circles sometimes tutor to Royal children, one of the royal librarians to James VII, a licenser of the press, landowner, translator and the first appointed secretary of the Chelsea Hospital. King's College was justifiably effusive in its gratitude: the senatus gave Fraser an honorary doctorate in 1715.' A.U.R, XXV, pg.138; Principal authority on Fraser is Ker's 'Frasereides';
Administrative HistoryPreviously listed as MSK but transferred to MS during the King's College Archive Project in August 2016.
Custodial HistoryThe papers of Secretary Bale's papers, former reference numbers MSK 257/44/22 and MSK 257/44/23, were removed on 24th April 1929 and catalogued as MS 1009.
DescriptionPapers of Curosity belonging to James Fraser. 'A collection of miscellaneous manuscripts which look very much like the contents of his desk, but possibly incorporating some items from the private rooms of Charles II'.
ArrangementOriginal arrangement has been maintained and no attempted has been made to recatalogue the collection at this time. Original MSK reference numbers are listed in the Alt_Ref_No field.
Access StatusOpen
Related MaterialMS 1009: Robert Bale/Beal/Beale, administrator, diplomat and Clerk of the English Privy Council: collection of letters
MS 3191: Printed papers relating to library of Dr James Fraser: bibliophile and university benefactor
Add to My Items