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Collection of English arms in trick, probably compiled as a working notebook by herald painters in London, one of whom appears to have worked with Sir Henry Saint George, Garter King of Arms.

 Item
Identifier: Adv.MS.31.4.6

Scope and Contents

The earliest section (folio 14) includes a number of mythological coats (for example, those of Cupid and the Nine Worthies) and some of members of the nobility and gentry from 1573 onwards. Many of the later additions are dated between 1630 and 1641. There are a few pedigrees and three indices to the compilation (folios i verso, 82 verso, and 86 verso). There is also a list of arms painters authorised in England (folio 88 verso), with a note `all theas in my life time kepte open shope and showes of armes acordinge to the custom of London and acording to our corparation`.

Dates

  • Creation: Late 16th century-1664.

Extent

0.00 Linear metres (v + 95 folios. Folio.)

Language of Materials

English

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Vellum binding.

Custodial History

According to notes on folio 94 verso and elsewhere throughout the manuscript, it was bought in 1655 from Mr Podgson, herald painter in London, by William Law, writer in Edinburgh, on behalf of Joseph Stacey, who became Ross Herald in 1663. Two letters to Stacey and a discharge in his favour are inserted (folios 93-95). The manuscript later belonged to Stacey`s son, Isaac. The signature of John Campion appears on folio i.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.

Existence and Location of Copies

Microfilm available: Mf.Sec.MSS.26.

Bibliography

The letter from Sir James Balfour is printed in ‘Law and practice of heraldry in Scotland’ by George Seton (Edinburgh, 1863), page 501.
Title
National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
Author
National Library of Scotland
Date
10 07 2015
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository

Contact:
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700